Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with just a hint of heat from the chili sauce. The chicken bites are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a glossy sweet chili sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. They are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are versatile enough to be served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. These sweet chili chicken bites are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup water (or as needed for batter)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add water to form a smooth batter.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the chicken is well coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken bites from the skillet and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- In the same skillet, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil (if using). Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the cooked chicken bites to the sauce and toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is well-glazed.
- Remove from heat and transfer the sweet chili chicken bites to a serving dish.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Total cook time: 30 minutes
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a little extra sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Baked Chicken Bites: For a healthier option, bake the chicken bites at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Honey Garlic Variation: Add more honey and a few cloves of minced garlic to the sauce for a sweeter and more garlicky version.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover sweet chili chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe! They are juicy and flavorful, and they’ll cook just as well as chicken breasts.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken by coating it in the flour mixture and refrigerating it until you’re ready to fry. However, it’s best to cook and glaze the chicken just before serving for the crispiest texture.
Can I make the sweet chili sauce from scratch?
Yes, you can! Combine 1/2 cup of chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and a pinch of garlic powder. Simmer until it thickens, and then use it to coat the chicken.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I make the chicken bites crispy without frying them?
If you prefer to avoid frying, you can coat the chicken with a light layer of oil and bake it in the oven. You can also use an air fryer to achieve a crispy texture without frying in oil.
Can I freeze sweet chili chicken bites?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Can I use store-bought sweet chili sauce?
Yes, store-bought sweet chili sauce is a great shortcut for this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed, especially if it’s more or less sweet than you prefer.
Can I make this recipe with other proteins?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef for a different variation of the dish.
What can I serve with sweet chili chicken bites?
Sweet chili chicken bites pair well with a variety of sides, such as steamed rice, noodles, or a simple green salad. You can also serve them as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
How spicy are these sweet chili chicken bites?
The level of spiciness can vary depending on the sweet chili sauce you use. If you want a milder version, use a less spicy chili sauce or reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating.
Conclusion
Sweet chili chicken bites are a mouthwatering dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. These bite-sized pieces of crispy chicken coated in a rich sweet chili glaze are a crowd favorite, ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a quick dinner or a delicious appetizer, these chicken bites are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Simple, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.
PrintSweet Chili Chicken Bites
Sweet chili chicken bites are a flavorful appetizer or main dish that combines tender, crispy chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze. Coated in a glossy sweet chili sauce, these bites are perfect for parties, quick dinners, or as a delicious snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup water (or as needed for batter)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add water to form a smooth batter.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the chicken is well coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken bites from the skillet and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- In the same skillet, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil (if using). Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the cooked chicken bites to the sauce and toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is well-glazed.
- Remove from heat and transfer the sweet chili chicken bites to a serving dish.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add more sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free.
- For a sweeter and garlicky version, add more honey and a few cloves of minced garlic to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken bite
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
