Description
Sweet Chili Chicken features crispy, bite-sized chicken pieces tossed in a sticky, sweet, and mildly spicy chili sauce. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect served over rice for an easy, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup cornstarch
For Frying and Sauce
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the 1 ½ pounds of boneless skinless chicken pieces into a large bowl. Season the chicken evenly with ¼ teaspoon garlic salt and ½ teaspoon paprika. Crack 1 large egg on top and use your hand to massage and coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the seasoning and egg.
- Coat with Cornstarch: Transfer the coated chicken into a large Ziplock bag. Add 1 cup of cornstarch, seal the bag tightly, and shake well until each piece is coated evenly in the cornstarch mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat ⅓ cup of vegetable oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking them for about 7-8 minutes. Fry until the chicken is cooked through and the coating turns golden brown and crispy, turning pieces as needed for even cooking.
- Toss in Sweet Chili Sauce: Pour 1 cup of sweet chili sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the sticky, flavorful sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Optionally, garnish with diced green onions for added freshness. Serve the sweet chili chicken over steamed rice for a complete meal. Enjoy immediately while hot!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the sweet chili sauce and cornstarch are gluten-free certified.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with canola or peanut oil for frying.
- To make homemade sweet chili sauce, mix chili flakes, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and water, then simmer until thickened.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container refrigerated for 3-4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through to maintain crispiness and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
