Description
Sweet Chili Chicken is a flavorful and simple dish featuring tender, crispy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy chili sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines Asian-inspired ingredients with a crispy fried texture, served best over jasmine rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (full salt soy sauce recommended)
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic (minced or pressed, or garlic paste)
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
Chicken Coating
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed & cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
For Frying
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (more as needed for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger paste. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, then set the sauce mixture aside.
- Coat the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken thigh pieces. Sprinkle in the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and baking soda. Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the dry ingredients.
- Heat oil and fry chicken: Place a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the vegetable oil. Once the oil is heated but not smoking, add the coated chicken pieces in batches if needed. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even browning, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add the sauce: After all chicken pieces are cooked, return all to the skillet if in batches. Pour the prepared sweet chili sauce over the chicken. Stir and let it cook together for an additional 2 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.
- Serve: Immediately serve the sweet chili chicken over cooked white rice, such as jasmine or basmati, or your choice of noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- Use full salt soy sauce for best flavor, but low-sodium versions can be substituted if preferred.
- Ensure chicken pieces are cut uniformly to cook evenly.
- Adjust vegetable oil quantity as needed depending on skillet size and frying method.
- Serve with your favorite rice or noodles, or in lettuce cups for a lighter option.
- The sauce thickens as it cooks; watch closely to prevent burning.
- This recipe works well with boneless skinless chicken breasts as a leaner alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
