Name: Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe: Crispy and Sticky
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: Crispy Chicken:; 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes); 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 2 large eggs (beaten); Oil for frying (vegetable or canola); Sweet Chili Sauce:; 1 cup sweet chili sauce (Mae Ploy or Thai brand); ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust heat); 2 tbsp water + 1 tbsp cornstarch (slurry); Garnish:; Toasted sesame seeds (sliced green onions, lime wedges)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Sweet Chili Chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: crispy fried chicken bites tossed in a glossy, sticky sweet chili sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of heat. Restaurant-quality at home, with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Presented in a white ceramic bowl with sesame seeds and green onions, optionally garnished with lime wedges, this Sweet Chili Chicken offers golden nuggets and shiny sauce that makes everyone reach for more.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken: • 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Sweet Chili Sauce: • 1 cup sweet chili sauce (Mae Ploy or Thai brand)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust heat)
• 2 tbsp water + 1 tbsp cornstarch (slurry)

Garnish: • Toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, lime wedges

Step-by-Step Process

Prep the chicken
Pat chicken cubes dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Set up a breading station
Three bowls: flour + cornstarch + garlic/onion powder + salt/pepper, beaten eggs, empty plate for breaded chicken.
Bread the chicken
Dredge each piece: flour mixture → egg → flour mixture again (double dip for extra crisp). Place on a plate.
Fry the chicken
Heat 2 inches of oil in a large pot or wok to 350–375°F. Fry chicken in batches for 5–7 minutes until deep golden and 165°F internal. Drain on a wire rack.
Make the sauce
In a separate pan, heat sesame oil over medium. Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute. Add sweet chili sauce, soy, vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2 minutes.
Thicken
Stir in slurry (water + cornstarch). Cook 1–2 minutes until glossy and thickened.
Toss & serve
Add fried chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Tips for Perfect Sweet Chili Chicken

• Double breading = extra crispy exterior
• Fry in batches—maintain oil temperature
• Use thigh meat—juicier than breast
• Mae Ploy sweet chili sauce—best flavor
• Sauce thickens fast—don’t overcook
• Serve immediately—keeps crisp longest

Variations and Customization

• Air Fryer: 400°F 12–15 min, flip halfway, spray oil
• Baked: 425°F 20–25 min on rack, flip halfway
• Spicy: add more red pepper flakes or sriracha
• Sticky Sesame: add sesame seeds + extra honey
• Gluten-Free: GF flour + tamari
• Veggie Version: cauliflower or tofu

Storage and Serving Tips

• Best fresh—peak crisp
• Reheat 375°F oven 8–10 minutes (or air fryer)
• Fridge up to 3 days
• Freeze cooked chicken up to 2 months—sauce separate
• Quick refresh: air fry 3 minutes + fresh sauce
• Serve with rice, noodles, or veggies

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings:
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Total Fat: 28g (Saturated 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 44g

FAQ

1. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes—spray with oil, 425°F 20–25 min.

2. Too sticky?
Sauce too thick—thin with water next time.

3. No sweet chili sauce?
Mix chili sauce + honey + vinegar.

4. Make-ahead?
Fry chicken ahead; sauce fresh.

5. Best chicken cut?
Thighs—juicier and more forgiving.

Conclusion

These Sweet Chili Chicken bites are pure addictive magic—crispy, saucy, sweet, and spicy that makes takeout jealous. One bite and suddenly dinner feels like a treat, parties feel fun, and everyone’s asking, “How did you make these so good?” Make a double batch, because once the sauce hits the chicken, they vanish faster than a touchdown celebration.