Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

If you’re craving something vibrant, a little sweet, a tad spicy, and absolutely packed with color and crunch, then this Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry is about to become your new obsession. It’s the perfect balance of bold Asian flavors, restaurant-fancy looks, and weekday-level ease—just the kind of meal you’ll love to cook (and eat) again and again!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every item in this Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry is there for a delicious reason—together, they create a dinner that’s vibrant, flavorful, and anything but boring. All you need are a few trusty staples plus fresh veggies, and you’re on your way to a complete and colorful meal!

• Chicken Breast: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breast for maximum tenderness and easy bite-sized pieces. You can substitute chicken thighs if you want a richer flavor.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: The soul of this dish, it brings irresistible sweetness and a gentle kick that clings to every bite.
• Soy Sauce: Deepens the flavor with salty, umami goodness, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the chili sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps the sauce thicken and gives the chicken those classic glossy, silky edges.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing—helps everything cook evenly and adds a gleam to your stir-fry.
• Minced Garlic: Adds bold aromatics that wake up the whole skillet.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger offers a warm, slightly spicy background note you’ll absolutely love.
• Bell Pepper: Adds color and a satisfyingly sweet crunch—use red, yellow, or orange for the prettiest results!
• Broccoli Florets: Bright green, crisp-tender broccoli soaks up every drop of sauce and adds nutrition.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple, essential seasoning to coax out all the natural flavors.
• Sesame Seeds: A toasty finish that adds texture and visual pop as a garnish.
• Green Onions: Sliced for a fresh, gentle bite and a dash of color right before serving.

Variations

This Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry is endlessly flexible—the perfect canvas for your cravings and your pantry! Don’t be afraid to swap, add, or adjust ingredients to fit your mood, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand.

• Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for cubes of firm tofu or tempeh, and follow the recipe exactly—so easy and satisfying!
• Add More Veggies: Toss in snap peas, baby corn, or carrot slivers for extra crunch, color, and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add a little sliced fresh chili or a drizzle of sriracha if you like things extra fiery.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-free without losing any flavor.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch, creating a glossy marinade. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces until thoroughly coated—this step is key for locking in flavor and guaranteeing juicy, tender chicken. Let it rest while you prep your veggies (about 15 minutes is perfect!).

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gently add the marinated chicken (let any excess marinade drip back into the bowl for now), and sauté, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through—about 7-10 minutes depending on your stove and pan. When the chicken is perfect, transfer it to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet (no need to wash—it’s extra flavor!), toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring just until they release their fragrance. Add the bell pepper and broccoli florets, and stir-fry them for 5-7 minutes, just until they’re bright and crisp-tender. You want the veggies to hold some bite!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slide the cooked chicken and any juices back into the skillet, pouring over any remaining marinade from the bowl. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce bubble and coat every piece. Everything should be hot, glossy, and irresistible!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions. The plate looks as fabulous as it tastes! Serve hot with your favorite rice or noodles, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every forkful.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry

Garnishes

This stir-fry absolutely comes alive with a handful of sesame seeds and bright green onions sprinkled on top right before serving. If you want to add even more wow, throw on a few fresh cilantro leaves, and maybe a pinch of crushed red pepper for extra zip!

Side Dishes

Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry loves a cozy bed of fluffy jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quick-cooked rice noodles that soak up all the savory-sweet sauce. Add a side of simple steamed edamame or a tangy cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your stir-fry in lettuce cups for easy, hands-on wraps, or pile it into a big bowl with a rainbow of extra veggies for a power-packed lunch. If you’re entertaining, sprinkle with extra garnishes and pile onto a big serving platter for a feast that looks as good as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better, soaking into the chicken and veggies overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze this stir-fry for up to 2 months, though the veggies may soften a bit on reheating. Cool the dish completely before packing into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover loosely and stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re in need of a fuss-free, flavor-packed dinner, this Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry will absolutely deliver. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the table—weeknights never tasted so bright, colorful, and downright delicious!

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