Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Ready for an instant dinner win? My Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry is your secret weapon on any weeknight—juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and that signature tangy-sweet sauce, all ready in just 30 minutes. It’s got a gorgeous balance of flavors and crunch, guaranteed to spark excitement at the table (and maybe a few requests for seconds)!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry keeps things refreshingly simple. Each ingredient plays a starring role in building those layers of flavor, crunch, and color you crave—no complicated components required, but each one truly counts!

• Chicken breast: Lean, tender, and quick to cook—the ideal blank canvas for our tangy sweet chili marinade.
• Sweet chili sauce: The flavor powerhouse! It gives the dish its signature glossy sweetness with a gentle kiss of heat.
• Soy sauce: Adds that needed savory depth and a lovely umami punch to balance the sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the chicken and thickens the sauce so it coats every bite beautifully.
• Olive oil: For sautéing—pick a neutral or light olive oil for a clean, tasty sauté.
• Minced garlic: You’ll love that fragrant punch of allium flavor; fresh really makes a difference.
• Ginger: Just a teaspoon brings unexpected zing and freshness to the whole dish.
• Bell pepper: For color and crunch! Red, yellow, or orange varieties are especially sweet here.
• Broccoli florets: Adds bulk, fiber and that irresistible fresh-green bite—plus, it soaks up the sauce perfectly.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning—adjust to taste once everything has come together.
• Sesame seeds: A toasty, nutty finish that makes each bite extra-special.
• Green onions: Sliced for garnish, adding brightness, color, and a mild oniony crunch at the end.

Variations

The best part about Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry? You can tailor it to your mood, fridge contents, or dietary needs. Here are some fun ways to remix this speedy dinner so it feels fresh every time!

• Make it Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or even crispy chickpeas—delicious, protein-rich, and totally satisfying.
• Load Up More Veggies: Toss in snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots for extra color, nutrition, and crunch.
• Go Spicy: Stir in a chopped chili or add a squirt of Sriracha to the sauce if you love a little heat!
• Switch the Protein: Try this with shrimp or thinly sliced beef for an equally delicious (and easy) twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of regular soy sauce to make this meal gluten free.

How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Toss in the chicken pieces, making sure each one gets lovingly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes—this helps the chicken soak up those bold flavors and ensures a silky finish once cooked.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken, spreading it out so it sears instead of steams. Cook until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, about 7–10 minutes. Scoop the chicken out and set aside, leaving any tasty browned bits in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring just until fragrant—that’s when your kitchen will smell divine. Then toss in the bell pepper and broccoli. Sauté everything for 5–7 minutes, stirring often until the veggies are crisp-tender and vibrant.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour any reserved marinade over everything. Toss well, letting the sauce thicken and coat the chicken and veggies beautifully—just a couple of minutes is all you need. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and a shower of sliced green onions. Serve your Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry fresh and hot over rice or noodles for a bowlful of dinner joy!

How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry

Garnishes

For the prettiest plate (and a flavor upgrade!), top your Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions. A little extra chopped cilantro or Thai basil makes it feel downright fancy. You could even add a squeeze of fresh lime for a hit of brightness!

Side Dishes

This dish is a dream over fluffy jasmine rice, brown rice, or even your favorite noodles. If you want to keep it light, serve over cauliflower rice or crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb twist. I love pairing it with a side of steamed edamame or a tangy cucumber salad for that irresistible takeout/take-in feel.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your stir-fry in colorful bowls with chopsticks or spoon the chicken and veggies right onto lettuce leaves for easy hand-held wraps. Meal prepping? Divide into containers with rice and sprinkle with extra garnishes—those vibrant pops make lunch extra satisfying!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce soaks into the chicken and veggies, making it even more flavorful the next day!

Freezing

This stir-fry actually freezes well! Let everything cool, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture (note: the veggies may soften a bit, but the flavors will be delicious).

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or gently microwave in 30-second bursts until hot. Sprinkle on fresh garnishes after reheating to revive that bright crunch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a vibrant, crave-worthy dinner that’s as quick as it is delicious, give this Sweet Chili Chicken Stir-Fry a spot on your menu this week. It’s bursting with flavor, easy to adapt, and destined to become a regular at your table—so go ahead, give it a try and let your kitchen feel a little more joyful tonight!

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