Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Sweet Chili Chicken is a flavorful dish that marries the vibrant sweetness and mild heat of sweet chili sauce with tender, crispy chicken pieces. This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The chicken is marinated to absorb the rich flavors, then coated and fried to achieve a crispy texture. Tossed in a savory-sweet glaze, it's garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for added crunch and aroma. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

• Rice or noodles, for serving
  
  

Directions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

2. Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, place cornstarch and season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Using a slotted spoon, take the chicken pieces out of the marinade, allowing any excess sauce to drip off. Dredge each piece in the cornstarch, ensuring an even coating.

3. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

4. Glaze the Chicken: Reduce heat to medium. Add any remaining marinade to the skillet, bringing it to a simmer to thicken slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the glaze. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

5. Serve: Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over jasmine rice, basmati rice, or noodles of your choice.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 300 kcal

• Protein: 25 g

• Fat: 15 g

• Carbohydrates: 20 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 12 g

• Sodium: 600 mg