Thai Sweet Chili Chicken

Sweet, slightly spicy, and richly flavorful — this Thai Sweet Chili Chicken features tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, aromatic sweet-chili sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser: great for weeknight dinners, casual meals, or dinner parties when you want something bold yet easy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced sweet and spicy flavor with a fragrant chili-garlic punch
• Easy one-pan (or one-bowl) cooking — minimal cleanup
• Works as a main dish with rice, noodles, or salad — versatile
• Great for busy evenings or casual dinners, yet restaurant-worthy
• Easily customizable — adjust heat, sweetness, or add veggies

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 500 g (about 1 lb) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil

For the Sweet Chili Sauce

• ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice)
• 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili paste (optional — for extra heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (to balance flavors)
• 1 tablespoon water or chicken broth (to thin, if needed)

Optional Garnishes / Add-ons

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions (scallions)
• Fresh cilantro or basil leaves
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add chicken in a single layer; cook about 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

In the same pan, lower heat slightly. Add minced garlic (and ginger, if using), sauté 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn).
Add sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lime juice), brown sugar (or honey), and sriracha/chili paste (if using). Stir to combine.
If sauce seems too thick, add water or broth to reach desired consistency. Bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Combine & Coat

Return cooked chicken to the pan. Stir well, coating each piece in the sweet chili sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly.

5. Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Add fresh cilantro or basil if you like. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Suggested accompaniments: steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.

You Must Know

• Watch the garlic — it burns fast; turn down heat as soon as garlic becomes fragrant.
• Don’t overcook chicken — bite-sized pieces cook quickly.
• Adjust sauce consistency: add a splash of water or broth if too thick.
• For more heat: increase chili paste/sriracha; for less — reduce or omit.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Add veggies — bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli — for a balanced stir-fry. Add them before chicken and sauté slightly.
• For a tangy twist: add a teaspoon of lime zest to the sauce.
• Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different version.
• Make extra sauce and use as a dipping glaze for spring rolls or skewers.
• Garnish with crushed peanuts or chopped roasted cashews for crunch.

Serving Ideas & Storage

• Serve over jasmine rice, with a side of steamed veggies or salad.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Gently reheat in a pan with a splash of water to loosen sauce.
• Sauce leftovers can be used as a marinade or dipping sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this spicier?
Yes — increase chili paste or sriracha, or add chopped fresh chilies for more heat.

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely — just be careful not to overcook it so it stays tender.

→ Can this be made ahead?
Yes — you can cook chicken and prepare sauce in advance; then just combine and warm before serving.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — as written, if you use gluten-free soy sauce.

Enjoy your flavorful, saucy, and slightly spicy Thai Sweet Chili Chicken — quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for dinner any day of the week!

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