Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken (Print View)
Tender chicken in glossy sweet-spicy chili sauce ready in 40 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Sweet Chili Sauce
06 - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
07 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
08 - 2 tablespoons honey
09 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
12 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
→ Garnishes
13 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
14 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
# How to Make It:
01 - Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
05 - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes, until sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
06 - Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce clings to every bite like candy glaze but somehow feels light enough for a Tuesday
- My kids actually fight over the crispy bits sticking to the pan
02 -
- Letting the chicken sear undisturbed creates the texture that makes this dish special
- The sauce thickens fast once it returns to a boil so keep it moving
03 -
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly than cold from the fridge
- Line your plate with paper towels if you want to absorb excess oil before saucing