This easy Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and sticky flavors. Learn how to make this quick dinner using simple ingredients and enjoy a mouthwatering meal in just 30 minutes.
Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe: A Sweet and Spicy Favorite
If you love sweet and spicy food, this Sweet Chili Chicken will hit the spot. It’s quick, flavorful, and great for weeknight dinners or when you're craving a takeaway-style meal at home. The sauce is sticky, the chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy inside, and it goes perfectly with rice or noodles.
Let’s dive into the full recipe.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sweet Chilli Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for flavor boost)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Sliced spring onions (green onions)
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh red chili slices (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating
In a bowl, mix cornflour, flour, salt, and pepper. In another small bowl, beat the egg.
Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat it in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated to get that crispy finish after frying.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat (enough to shallow or deep fry).
Carefully drop in the coated chicken pieces in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy—about 4–6 minutes.
Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Chilli Sauce
In a small bowl, mix sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
Pour this mixture into a pan and heat over low-medium heat.
Once it starts bubbling, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and stir.
Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a sticky consistency.
Step 4: Toss Chicken in the Sauce
Add the fried chicken pieces into the pan with the sauce.
Toss well to coat every piece evenly. Let it cook together for 1–2 minutes so the sauce sticks nicely.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your sweet chilli chicken to a serving dish.
Sprinkle with chopped spring onions, sesame seeds, and chili slices if you want more heat.
Serve hot with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.
Tips for Best Results
- Crispier Chicken? Use double coating: egg > flour > egg > flour again.
- Extra Sauce? Double the sauce ingredients if you like it saucy.
- Not too spicy? Add more honey or reduce the chili for a milder version.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare (ready in 30 minutes!)
- Family-friendly with adjustable spice levels
- Great for leftovers — just reheat in a pan for best texture
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a pan to keep the chicken crispy, or microwave for convenience.
If you try this Sweet Chilli Chicken, let me know how it turned out! It’s one of those dishes that quickly becomes a regular in your kitchen.