Easy Sweet Chili Chicken is the perfect blend of crispy fried chicken with a flavorful sweet chili sauce. The chicken is battered, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce, creating a meal that’s irresistible. It’s an easy-to-make dish that packs a punch of flavor in just 25 minutes. Serve it for dinner or as a tasty appetizer!

Why Make This Recipe

Crispy and Flavorful

This dish gives you crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a perfectly balanced sweet chili sauce, making every bite a burst of flavor.

Quick and Simple

With only 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or last-minute dinner plans. Plus, you can cook it in the air fryer to make it even easier!

Customizable

You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce. You can also try adding veggies like bell peppers or onions for extra texture and flavor.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: You can use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor, or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This helps to form a crispy batter. You can use cornstarch for a lighter, crispier coating or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
1 large egg: Helps bind the flour to the chicken pieces.

For the Sauce:

1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth to the sauce. You can use regular paprika if you don’t have smoked.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Gives an aromatic flavor to the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper: Adjust these to taste.
2 cloves garlic, grated: Fresh garlic will give you the best flavor, but you can substitute with garlic powder if needed.
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Fresh ginger adds a warm, zesty flavor. You can use ground ginger if you don’t have fresh.
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce: The key ingredient that brings sweetness and spice to this dish. You can substitute with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami to balance the sweetness of the chili sauce.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying: You can use canola oil, sunflower oil, or avocado oil for frying.

Optional Garnish:

Sliced green onions: For a fresh, oniony finish.
Sesame seeds: Adds a slight crunch and nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Coat the Chicken:

In a bowl, add the egg and flour. Mix the chicken pieces into the egg and flour mixture until evenly coated. Massage the mixture into the chicken to ensure every piece is well-coated.

3. Fry the Chicken:

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. You need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan for shallow frying.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan. You may need to fry in batches.
Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through using tongs to ensure even browning.
Once crispy, remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

4. Make the Sauce:

In a separate saucepan, combine grated garlic, grated ginger, sweet chili sauce, and soy sauce. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through (about 2 minutes).

5. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:

Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the crispy fried chicken pieces. Toss the chicken in the sauce to coat it evenly.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Garnish the dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Serve hot with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

How to Store Easy Sweet Chili Chicken

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Let it cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips to Make Easy Sweet Chili Chicken

For extra crispiness: Double coat the chicken with egg and flour, and then fry it.
For a healthier version: Use the air fryer instead of frying to make it crispier with less oil.
Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or jalapeños to the sauce for a hotter kick.

Variations

Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour for the coating and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Add veggies: Stir in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas into the sauce for added texture and nutrition.
Change up the sauce: Try a teriyaki or hoisin sauce if you’re looking for a different flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts for a leaner option. Just ensure they are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the chicken is best served fresh for maximum crispiness, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then toss them together just before serving.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The texture may be slightly different, but it’s a healthier option.

Conclusion

Easy Sweet Chili Chicken is a quick, satisfying meal that combines the crispy texture of fried chicken with the sweet and spicy flavor of chili sauce. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or as a tasty appetizer, it’s sure to impress your family and guests. Serve it with a side of rice or noodles, and you’ll have a complete meal in no time!