Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Sweet Chili Chicken Bites

  • Author: Martha
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Description

Sweet Chili Chicken Bites are bite-sized, tender pieces of chicken coated in a crispy, golden batter and tossed in a delectable sweet chili sauce. The sauce strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and heat, with a mild spice that lingers just enough to tantalize your taste buds. These flavorful chicken bites are often garnished with fresh herbs or sesame seeds, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack that’s perfect for dipping and sharing!

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to make Sweet Chili Chicken Bites:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour (for coating)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (ensure it’s alcohol-free and halal)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use halal soy sauce or tamari if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (for added sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1–2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken: The star of the recipe, providing protein and a neutral base that soaks up the sweet chili sauce perfectly.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: A balanced sauce that’s both sweet and spicy, typically made from chili peppers, sugar, and vinegar.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth of flavor to the dish.
  • Honey or Brown Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the chili sauce, balancing out the heat.
  • Rice Vinegar: Provides a tangy touch that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
  • Garlic and Ginger: These aromatic ingredients infuse the dish with a fragrant, savory base that enhances the overall flavor.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfect Sweet Chili Chicken Bites:

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Cut the Chicken: Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Ensure they are even in size so they cook uniformly.
  2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set them aside to allow the seasoning to marinate a little.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Place the cornstarch (or flour) in a shallow dish. Lightly coat each piece of chicken with cornstarch, tapping off the excess. This will help the chicken become crispy when cooking.

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until it forms a golden crust. Flip the pieces and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they are cooked through and golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

  1. Make the Sweet Chili Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, minced garlic, and optional ginger. Stir everything together to combine.
  2. Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spiciness by adding more honey or chili sauce if desired.

Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

  1. Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Add the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce until fully coated and heated through. You should notice the sauce thickening and clinging to the chicken.
  2. Finish with Sesame Oil: If desired, drizzle a teaspoon of sesame oil over the chicken for added depth of flavor and a touch of nuttiness.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and color.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4-6
  • Calories: 250-300 kcal
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Protein: 25g

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://quickerbites.com/sweet-chili-chicken-bites/