Name: Sweet Chili Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; ½ cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; Salt and pepper to taste; Sesame seeds (for garnish); Green onions (sliced, for garnish)

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This Sweet Chili Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a savory sweet chili sauce, sautéed vegetables, and a touch of sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. The chicken is marinated in a sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. The vegetables add a nice crunch and freshness, while the garnish of sesame seeds and green onions gives it that extra touch of flavor and texture. It’s the perfect quick dinner when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have much time.

Sweet Chili Chicken

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Green onions (sliced, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and broccoli. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour any remaining marinade over the chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing everything to heat through and coat the chicken in the sauce.
Serve: Garnish the dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: If you prefer a spicier dish, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
Use Chicken Thighs: For even more flavor and tenderness, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist when reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with beef or tofu for a different twist on this dish.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this recipe is best served fresh, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours for even more flavor.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Frozen vegetables can be used, though fresh vegetables will provide a better texture and flavor. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet.

4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, make sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

5. How do I make the sauce thicker?

The cornstarch in the marinade helps thicken the sauce. If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can dissolve an additional tablespoon of cornstarch in a bit of water and stir it into the skillet during the final cooking step.

6. Can I serve this with something other than rice or noodles?

Yes, you can serve this dish with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even on top of a salad for a lighter option.

7. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to serve.

8. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.

9. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can increase the heat by adding more chili sauce, fresh chili peppers, or red pepper flakes.

10. Can I use homemade sweet chili sauce?

Absolutely! If you have homemade sweet chili sauce, feel free to use it in place of store-bought.

Conclusion

This Sweet Chili Chicken is a flavorful, quick, and easy meal that brings together tender chicken, savory sweet chili sauce, and fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something that’s both satisfying and full of delicious flavors. With the added crunch of sesame seeds and green onions, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Emma