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Sweet Chili Chicken

Crispy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, slightly spicy sauce, ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for satisfying takeout cravings without the hassle.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds chicken tenderloins, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or light olive oil
For the Sauce
  • 0.5 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon honey
For Garnish, Optional
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the chicken tenderloins into evenly sized bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to a large bowl or a sturdy zip-top bag along with the cornstarch, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss or shake until fully coated and let rest for a minute.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the avocado oil. Let the oil heat until it shimmers.
Cooking
  1. Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally.
  2. While the chicken cooks, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, grated ginger, and honey in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken, stir gently, and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  4. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, cut chicken pieces evenly, avoid overcrowding the skillet, and let the sauce thicken before serving. Can serve this dish over jasmine rice or noodles.