Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken Recipe

If you’re after the ultimate Chinese fakeaway at home, you’re going to love this Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken! It’s golden, sticky, slightly spicy, and bursting with fresh flavors—all whipped up in under 20 minutes. This is one of those magical weeknight recipes that tastes like your favorite takeout but is secretly healthier and entirely fuss-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the magic of Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken comes from a short list of humble ingredients—but don’t underestimate how much punch each one adds. They work together for perfect crispy texture, balanced heat, and that signature sweet-sticky gloss.

• Chicken breast (600g): Firm, juicy, and lean, chicken breast gets golden and tender with the right coating—don’t cut too small for the best bite.
• Sweet chilli sauce (4 tbsp): The star of the show! Sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of heat for that glossy, crowd-pleasing finish.
• Fresh ginger (1 tbsp, grated): Adds zesty warmth and brightness—grate it finely so it melts into the sauce.
• Fresh chives: For a pop of freshness and color right before serving—don’t skip them!
• Garlic granules (1 tsp): Easy, mess-free, and evenly distributes savory flavor to every bite.
• Onion granules (1 tsp): Rounds out the savory notes and boosts umami.
• Cornflour (3 tbsp): This is your secret for the ultimate crispy (never greasy) coating and that thick, silky sauce.
• Cayenne pepper (½-1 tsp): Adjust to dial the spice up or down—just a pinch brings a gentle background heat.
• Smoked paprika (1 tbsp): Deepens color and adds aromatic smokiness for a more complex flavor.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): For frying—choose a light variety for even browning.
• Rice vinegar (½ tbsp): Brightens the sauce with a tangy, Asian-inspired lift.
• Chicken stock (200ml): Helps carry all the flavors and makes that sticky sauce so luscious.
• Salt: Always season generously to bring all those gorgeous flavors together.

Variations

Once you’ve nailed the classic, Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken is a blank canvas for delicious twists. Don’t be afraid to change things up—make it your own based on what’s in the fridge or who’s coming to dinner!

• Swap the Protein: Try diced chicken thigh for extra juiciness, or swap for prawns or tofu if you want a pescatarian or vegetarian version.
• Add Veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli when you add the sauce for a colorful boost of crunch and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Double-check your sweet chilli sauce, use gluten-free cornflour, and you’re all set—this one’s naturally adaptable.
• Extra Sticky: Want the stickiest sauce ever? Let it bubble an extra minute on the stove until it clings to every chicken piece.

How to Make Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by tossing your diced chicken breast in a bowl with the garlic granules, onion granules, 2 tablespoons of cornflour, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Give it a thorough mix so that every little piece is wrapped in that flavorful, spicy blend. If you have a little extra time, pop the bowl in the fridge for an hour—this simple trick makes the meat even more tender and helps the coating stick beautifully.

Step 2: Sear and Brown

Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, spread the seasoned chicken pieces out in a single layer. Resist the urge to stir right away—let them sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until you see that gorgeous golden color develop. This step is crucial for texture, so patience is key!

Step 3: Bring in Ginger and Salt

When your chicken is beautifully browned, give it a stir and fry for another couple of minutes. Sprinkle in the freshly grated ginger and a generous pinch of salt. The ginger will fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma and add brightness that cuts through the sweet heat of the sauce.

Step 4: Make It Saucy

Add the sweet chilli sauce, chicken stock, and cornflour slurry (just mix the remaining tablespoon cornflour with 2 tablespoons cold water). Stir to combine, and keep cooking for a few more minutes until the sauce turns glossy and sticky—just how you love Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken. Right at the end, splash in the rice vinegar for that extra zing.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat, sprinkle with a shower of fresh chives, and (if you like) a crack of black pepper. You’ll see the vibrant color pop and smell that irresistible sweet-spicy aroma—just try to resist eating it straight from the pan!

How to Serve Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken

Garnishes

Scatter a generous handful of fresh chives over the finished dish—these bring not only a burst of color, but also a refreshing lift that cuts through the sauce’s sticky sweetness. For extra sparkle, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or sliced spring onions is completely welcome.

Side Dishes

This Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken practically begs to be enjoyed over a mound of fluffy jasmine rice, but it’s equally at home with egg-fried rice or a tangle of stir-fried noodles. For freshness and crunch, pair with a simple cucumber salad or quick-steamed greens like broccoli or pak choi.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow at the table, serve Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken in lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on starter, or pile it into bao buns for a fusion twist. You could even skewer the glazed chicken for party-friendly finger food—just don’t forget plenty of napkins!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers (on the off chance there are any!) keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce helps keep the chicken moist, so it’s delicious tucked into wraps, tossed with salads, or simply reheated for a speedy lunch.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Let everything cool down, then freeze in portions. For best texture, freeze the chicken and sauce together, not separately. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken gently in a pan on the stovetop, splashing in a tablespoon of water if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too—just use short bursts and stir halfway through so nothing dries out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you want a dinner that’s big on flavor and short on effort, give Easy Sweet Chilli Chicken a try—you’ll be hooked! It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends (and secretly make on repeat for yourself). Enjoy every sticky, saucy, utterly irresistible bite!

Print