Sweet Chili Chicken

Sweet Chili Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, this easy sheet pan meal showcases tender chicken paired with vibrant vegetables. With its Asian-inspired taste and simple preparation, Sweet Chili Chicken will quickly become a favorite in your household.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• Sweet Chili Sauce
• Garnish
• How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 3: Season the Chicken
• Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
• Step 5: Bake
• Step 6: Make Sweet Chili Sauce
• Step 7: Combine & Serve
• How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken
• Over Rice
• In a Salad
• With Cauliflower Rice
• In Lettuce Wraps
• Alongside Noodles
• As Sandwich Filling
• How to Perfect Sweet Chili Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Sweet Chili Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Sweet Chili Chicken
• Reheating Sweet Chili Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Sweet Chili Chicken gluten-free?
• Can I use frozen chicken?
• What side dishes pair well with Sweet Chili Chicken?
• How spicy is Sweet Chili Chicken?
• Can I meal prep Sweet Chili Chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Flavorful: The combination of sweet chili sauce, garlic, and ginger creates an irresistible flavor profile that will satisfy your taste buds.
• Versatile: You can customize the vegetables to your liking, adding whatever you have on hand for a unique twist each time.
• Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein and colorful veggies, this dish is a nutritious choice for any meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, this dish stores well and makes delicious leftovers for lunch or dinner.

Tools and Preparation

To make Sweet Chili Chicken efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These tools help ensure your cooking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Saucepan
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Baking sheet: Provides ample space to cook everything evenly without overcrowding.
• Saucepan: Perfect for preparing the flavorful sweet chili sauce that enhances the dish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 0.75-1 lb chicken breasts, cubed (see notes)
• 1 Tbsp corn starch
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp red pepper, more or less to taste
• 1 small red bell pepper
• 1 small orange bell pepper, or any color of choice
• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• 1 Tbsp olive oil

Sweet Chili Sauce

• 1 Tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• ¾ cup sweet chili sauce, more as needed
• 1-2 Tbsp honey

Garnish

• 1 lime, sliced
• 3 Tbsp green onions, chopped

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375ºF. This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into small 1-inch cubes of equal size. This helps the chicken cook evenly throughout.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken with corn starch, black pepper, salt, and red pepper. Ensure all pieces are well coated in the seasoning mix.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Drizzle olive oil onto a large baking sheet. Place the seasoned chicken on the sheet pan without overlapping. Scatter the bell peppers and jalapeños around the chicken.

Step 5: Bake

Put the baking sheet in the oven on the center rack. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165ºF.

Step 6: Make Sweet Chili Sauce

While waiting for the chicken to bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced ginger and garlic to simmer for about one minute. Stir in sweet chili sauce and honey, letting it simmer together briefly before removing from heat.

Step 7: Combine & Serve

Once baked, pour the sweet chili sauce over the cooked chicken and mix well. You can return it to the oven briefly if you prefer it hot again. Serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or salads. Finish with garnishes of chopped green onions and lime slices.

This easy Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is sure to impress friends and family alike!

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken

Sweet Chili Chicken is a versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal. You can elevate your dining experience with a few simple serving suggestions that enhance the flavors and presentation.

Over Rice

• Serve the chicken over fluffy white rice or brown rice for a hearty meal that soaks up the delicious sauce.

In a Salad

• Add the chicken to a fresh salad mix, incorporating crunchy veggies and a light dressing for a refreshing and healthy lunch option.

With Cauliflower Rice

• For a low-carb alternative, serve Sweet Chili Chicken on cauliflower rice. This option keeps it light while still satisfying.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with chicken, bell peppers, and sauce for a fun, hands-on meal that’s great for gatherings.

Alongside Noodles

• Pair the chicken with stir-fried noodles for an Asian-inspired feast. The noodles will complement the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly.

As Sandwich Filling

• Make a delicious sandwich using crusty bread or a soft bun filled with Sweet Chili Chicken and slaw for added crunch and flavor.

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How to Perfect Sweet Chili Chicken

To make your Sweet Chili Chicken even better, here are some helpful tips that can enhance its flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will provide more vibrant flavors than dried options.
• Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in sweet chili sauce for at least 30 minutes can enhance its flavor before cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure enough space between pieces of chicken on the sheet pan to allow even cooking and crispiness.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper or jalapeño based on your preference for heat.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your chicken as baking times may vary based on thickness; always check for an internal temperature of 165ºF.
• Garnish Generously: Adding chopped green onions and lime juice just before serving brightens up the dish beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Chili Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Sweet Chili Chicken can create a balanced meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors well.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients, offering a nice crunch alongside the tender chicken.
2. Fried Rice: A classic side that’s filling and flavorful; try adding peas and carrots for extra texture.
3. Quinoa Salad: A nutty quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs provides a refreshing contrast.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or asparagus add depth to your plate.
5. Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed with vinegar gives a cool, crisp counterpoint to the spicy chicken.
6. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread can be an unexpected yet delightful addition that balances out sweetness with crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sweet Chili Chicken, it’s easy to run into common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using uneven chicken pieces: Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform cubes so it cooks evenly throughout the process.
• Skipping the marinating step: If you have time, allow the chicken to marinate in the seasonings and corn starch for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Avoid placing too much chicken and veggies on one sheet, as this can cause steaming instead of roasting.
• Not monitoring cooking time: Always check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF to ensure it’s fully cooked.
• Neglecting garnishes: Don’t skip adding fresh lime and green onions; they elevate the dish’s flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Sweet Chili Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Sweet Chili Chicken

• Let the chicken cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to keep it fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sweet Chili Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF. Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth to a skillet over medium heat. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Sweet Chili Chicken gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce in your marinade for gluten-free Sweet Chili Chicken.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you should thaw them first before cutting and seasoning them for even cooking.

What side dishes pair well with Sweet Chili Chicken?

This dish goes great with rice, cauliflower rice, steamed vegetables, or even salads for a light meal option.

How spicy is Sweet Chili Chicken?

The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of red pepper and jalapeño used. Feel free to reduce or omit them for milder flavors.

Can I meal prep Sweet Chili Chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping due to its versatility and ease of storage.

Final Thoughts

Sweet Chili Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile and customizable. You can mix in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice levels according to your preferences. It’s an easy weeknight meal that your family will love—give it a try!