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A plate of crispy Zesty Sweet Chili Chicken garnished with fresh herbs, served alongside colorful vegetables on a white dinner plate.

Zesty Sweet Chili Chicken: A Dinner Delight That Wows!

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Zesty Sweet Chili Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dinner dish combining tender chicken coated in a sticky, zesty sweet chili sauce. Perfect for weeknights or special gatherings, this easy recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, making it a family favorite and an impressive addition to any meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup for added sweetness
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • Optional garnish: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, sliced chili peppers

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Return chicken to the skillet, pour in water or broth, and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat, garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and sliced chili peppers as desired. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes.
  • For a crunchier texture, cook chicken in an air fryer or bake instead of pan-frying.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop, stir-fry
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Main Dish, Dairy-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 380 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg