Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a flavour-packed dinner that’s faster than takeout but big on deliciousness, look no further than Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken! Succulent chicken breast, a glossy sauce that balances sweet with gentle heat, and a sprinkle of fresh chives—it’s pure weeknight joy, ready in under 20 minutes. Say goodbye to greasy deliveries and hello to your new favourite homemade “fakeaway”!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be amazed at how streamlined this Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken ingredient list is. Each item plays its part—whether lending tenderness, spicy depth, a hint of tang, or that signature sticky finish. Here’s how your everyday basics turn into something absolutely magical.

• Chicken breast (600g, diced): Lean and tender, chicken breast soaks up the flavours while staying moist thanks to the quick cook time.
• Sweet chilli sauce (4 tbsp): The star of the show—this brings sweetness, gentle heat, and a glossy, sticky texture you’ll want to lick clean.
• Fresh ginger (1 tbsp, grated): Gives the dish a zesty, aromatic punch that elevates the sauce from basic to memorable.
• Fresh chives: A sprinkle of chives adds lovely freshness and a little pop of colour at the end.
• Garlic granules (1 tsp): For mellow, deep umami without any prep fuss.
• Onion granules (1 tsp): Subtle savouriness that melds perfectly into the sauce.
• Cornflour (3 tbsp): This is the secret to beautifully crisp chicken and that sticky, restaurant-style sauce.
• Cayenne pepper (½-1 tsp): Optional if you love more heat—start with less and taste as you go!
• Smoked paprika (1 tbsp): Hints of gentle smokiness create extra depth and colour.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Just enough for pan-frying with flavourful results.
• Rice vinegar (½ tbsp): Adds a brightness that keeps the sauce from feeling heavy.
• Chicken stock (200ml): Builds body and brings everything together.
• Salt: To season and balance those sweet and spicy notes.

Variations

Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken is wonderfully versatile, so you can absolutely make it your own. Whether you want to turn up the heat, lighten things up, or swap in what you already have, the options are deliciously endless.

• Swap the Protein: Try diced boneless thighs for extra succulence, or go for tofu or prawns for a different twist.
• Crank Up the Veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn during the saucing stage for a pop of colour and crunch.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular if you want to add a splash for savouriness.
• Less Sweet? Less Heat? Adjust the amount of sweet chilli sauce and cayenne to make it milder or spicier to suit everyone at the table.

How to Make Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken with Seasonings

Start by combining your diced chicken breast with garlic granules, onion granules, 2 tablespoons of cornflour, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt. Mix well so every piece is evenly coated—this creates a super-flavourful “crust.” For the juiciest results, let it chill in the fridge for an hour if you have time (it makes a surprising difference).

Step 2: Sear and Sizzle

Preheat a large non-stick frying pan with olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your seasoned chicken, spreading it out for maximum surface contact. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes—resist the urge to stir! This is the secret to those golden, flavour-packed bits and that sumptuous texture.

Step 3: Build the Flavour

After the initial sear, stir the chicken and continue frying for another couple of minutes. Toss in the freshly grated ginger and a generous pinch of salt, letting the aromatics bloom and the chicken finish cooking through.

Step 4: Create the Sticky Sauce

Pour in the sweet chilli sauce and chicken stock, then add your cornflour slurry (make this by stirring the remaining 1 tablespoon cornflour with 2 tablespoons cold water). Stir everything together and simmer until the sauce turns thick, glossy, and irresistibly sticky—don’t rush this step, as it’s where the magic happens! Finish with a splash of rice vinegar for brightness.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove from the heat, top with a flurry of fresh chopped chives, and, if you love a peppery finish, a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately while it’s hot and glossy—this is Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken at its absolute best!

How to Serve Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken

Garnishes

A vibrant sprinkle of fresh chopped chives elevates both the look and taste of your Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few toasted sesame seeds or some finely sliced spring onions for crunch and a mild bite—a little extra greenery goes a long way!

Side Dishes

Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice is a classic, catching every drop of that spectacular sauce. For a lighter option, pile your chicken onto a bed of crisp salad or wrap it up in warm lettuce leaves. Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a colourful stir fry of mixed veg pairs perfectly, adding crunch and freshness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve family-style on a big platter for a crowd, or portion into individual bowls for easy lunches. For grab-and-go magic, spoon the chicken into bao buns or stuff into wraps. If you’re hosting, arrange skewered bites as tasty “fakeaway” party nibbles—great with a little extra sweet chilli sauce for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring to a tightly sealed container. Your Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a stellar meal prep option for delicious lunches or quick suppers later in the week.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this recipe! Store cooled chicken (with sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, defrost in the fridge overnight to maintain the chicken’s lovely texture and punchy flavours.

Reheating

To keep the sauce glossy and the chicken juicy, reheat gently in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen if needed. The microwave works too—cover loosely and stir occasionally until piping hot.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about bringing takeout-style joy to your own dinner table without the wait—or the guilt! Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken is fast, flavourful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and I have a feeling it’ll become a beloved go-to in your kitchen, too.

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