Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

This sweet chili chicken recipe consists of the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Crispy chicken nuggets are coated in a flavorful sweet chili sauce, creating a dish that's better than anything you'd get from a restaurant! Trust me, this one is hard to beat.

The Best Sweet Chili Chicken 

Sweet chili chicken is one of my go-to spicy chicken recipes that never fails to impress. The combination of crispy fried chicken and the tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce always leaves me and my family licking our plates clean! The sesame seeds add a nice crunch, and the lime juice brightens up the flavors. I mean, the flavor is out of this world, and this recipe is pretty quick and easy to make too.  

With that said, what I love most about this sweet chili chicken is how versatile it is. I'll serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a party snack when I'm hosting friends and family. 

Ingredients

Another reason I love this sweet and spicy chicken recipe is that it comes together with really common ingredients. Check out what you need for the crispy chicken:

• ½ cup flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 egg white
• ½ cup water
• ½ tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pinch of salt
• 10 oz. chicken breasts

And here are the ingredients for the sweet chili sauce:

• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ lime, squeezed
• White sesame seeds

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken

This sweet chili chicken recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner I guarantee your family will love! So let's get right into the recipe. 

Step One: Prepare the Batter

In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, egg white, water, vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients well until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

Step Two: Coat the Chicken

Now season the chicken pieces on both sides with salt and pepper. Then add the chicken to the batter, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step Three: Fry the Chicken

Heat 2 inches of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy on both sides. It'll take about 3-5 minutes. Then transfer the fried chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step Four: Make the Sauce

In a separate skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the sweet chili sauce and lime juice, stirring to combine everything.

Step Five: Combine and Serve

Finally, add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat the chicken all the way through.

I like to serve the finished dish warm, sprinkled with white sesame seeds on top and some steamed rice and a side of vegetables. Enjoy!

How to Store Sweet Chili Chicken

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid using the microwave to keep the chicken nice and crispy.

FAQs About This Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs for this recipe. They will be just as delicious and may even be juicier! You'll just need to cook the chicken for a few minutes longer.

How can I make the dish spicier?

If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sweet chili sauce. I've even added a dash of sriracha before, and it was delicious! But make sure you really like spice cause the sriracha brings the heat. 

More Dinner Recipes To Try 

• Oven baked chicken tenders
• Chicken parmo
• Crispy oven baked chicken cutlets
• Copycat Chick-Fil-A cobb salad
• Oven baked jerk wings
• Chicken, sausage, and shrimp gumbo
• Chicken pakora
• Beer battered shrimp