Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine: ,
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken is a bold, flavor-packed chicken dish made with tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sweet, and mildly spicy chili sauce. This easy stovetop recipe delivers restaurant-style results at home, making it perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or casual family meals.

Ingredients
    For the Chicken
  • 500 g boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
    • For the Sticky Sweet Chili Sauce
  • 0.5 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp halal soy sauce or tamari (alcohol-free)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
    • For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
    • For Garnish (Optional)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp chopped spring onions
Instructions
    Prepare the Chicken
  1. 1
    Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add cornstarch and toss well until every piece is evenly coated. This coating helps the sauce cling to the chicken later and creates a lightly crisp surface.
    2. Make the Sauce
  2. 2
    In a separate bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, halal soy sauce, honey, ketchup, chili flakes, vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix until smooth and set aside. The balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors will give the dish its signature sticky glaze.
    3. Cook the Chicken
  3. 3
    Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
    4. Build the Flavor Base
  4. 4
    In the same pan, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 30–40 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
    5. Add the Sauce
  5. 5
    Pour the prepared sweet chili sauce into the pan. Stir and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
    6. Combine and Glaze
  6. 6
    Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss well to coat every piece in the sticky sauce. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce clings beautifully to the chicken.
    7. Rest and Garnish
  7. 7
    Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions before serving.
Note

I always use soy sauce or tamari.

Chicken thighs give a juicier result, but chicken breast works well for a leaner option.

Adjust chili flakes based on spice tolerance.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Keywords: dinner, easy chicken recipe, sticky chicken, sweet chili sauce, family-friendly
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/sticky-sweet-chili-chicken-recipe/