Craving that addictive, crispy restaurant-style chicken but want to skip the delivery fees? This Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken is the ultimate “takeout fakeout” that comes together faster than you can find a menu. It is incredibly quick, packed with protein, and uses pantry staples you likely already have. Perfect for busy moms, working professionals, and anyone who needs a crowd-pleasing dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Tested & Approved
This recipe has been rigorously tested in our kitchen and approved by the Ena Recipes Team. We’ve tweaked the sauce ratios to ensure the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sticky every single time.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- ½ cup cornstarch (cornflour)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower) for frying
For the Sticky Sauce:
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce (store-bought)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (a halal alternative to rice wine or mirin)
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced (approx. 3 cloves)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili flakes (optional, adjust for heat)
Garnish:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 stalks green onions (scallions), sliced
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-lock bag, mix the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss well until every piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess starch.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Fry for 4–5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate lined with a paper towel.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan (wipe out excess oil if it’s too greasy), add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using).
- Simmer: Let the sauce bubble and simmer on low heat for 1–2 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Combine: Return the crispy chicken to the pan. Toss quickly to coat every piece in the sticky sauce.
- Serve: Remove from heat immediately to keep the chicken crispy. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice.
Tips, Variations & Storage
- Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the regular soy sauce for Tamari or Coconut Aminos. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so the coating is safe.
- Vegetarian Swap: Replace the chicken with firm tofu cubes. Press the tofu first to remove water, then coat in cornstarch and fry exactly as described.
- Make-Ahead Advice: You can cut the chicken and mix the sauce ingredients (excluding the garlic/ginger) in a jar up to 2 days in advance.
- Storage: This dish is best eaten fresh for maximum crunch. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to revive some of the texture. Microwaving will make the breading soft.
- Serving Ideas: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a cucumber salad to cut through the sweetness.
FAQ
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? A: Yes! For a lighter version, spray the coated chicken with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until crispy, then toss in the simmered sauce.
Q: Is this spicy? A: The base recipe is very mild and kid-friendly. If you want heat, increase the sriracha or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs? A: Absolutely. Chicken thighs are actually more forgiving and stay juicier than breast meat.
Nutrition Facts
(Estimates based on one serving)
- Calories per serving: 380
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Fat: 12 g
Conclusion
This Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for anyone looking to break the boring dinner routine without spending hours in the kitchen. It delivers that satisfying crunch and sweet-savory kick everyone loves. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out!
