Crispy sweet chili chicken is one of those dishes that brings back warm memories of sizzling dinners and big flavor in a simple bowl. I still remember the first time I nailed this recipe—it was during a rainy evening in Portland, and I wanted something crunchy, sweet, spicy, and fast. I had some chicken, a bottle of sweet chili sauce, and a craving for something restaurant-worthy at home. What came out of my pan was golden perfection: crisp chicken bites drenched in a sauce that danced between tangy and sweet.
It’s now a go-to in my kitchen. I’ve made it for lazy Sundays, date nights, and even quick lunches, tweaking it to suit the air fryer or stovetop. And guess what? Every time I share it with friends or family, they ask for seconds—and the recipe. If you’re already a fan of bold Asian-inspired flavors like in my jalapeno peach chicken or the sweet heat of bang bang chicken bites, you’re going to love this one.
Let’s dive into how to make this unforgettable crispy sweet chili chicken at home.
Table of Contents
The Secret to Perfect Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken
How the Coating Makes the Crunch
The magic of crispy sweet chili chicken starts with its coating. A simple mixture of egg and cornflour, seasoned with garlic powder, sweet paprika, sea salt, and cracked black pepper, gives the chicken its signature crust. Once fried, the pieces become light and crispy—not greasy. This method works for both chicken breast and thighs, giving you flexibility based on what’s in your fridge.
What sets this coating apart is how it becomes a paste around the chicken when mixed. That thick batter locks in juiciness while creating a golden crust. Whether you fry it in oil or go the air fryer route, you’ll get that restaurant-style texture every single time.
The Sauce: Sweet, Tangy, and Just a Hint of Heat
Now let’s talk about the sauce. A blend of sweet chili sauce, soy (or tamari for gluten-free), rice vinegar, and freshly minced garlic and ginger gives this dish its deep flavor. You get sweetness, umami, acidity, and a touch of warmth—balanced in just minutes. You can even swap in lime juice or apple cider vinegar depending on what you have on hand.
When I was working on this sauce, I wanted it to echo the excitement of flavors I tasted in dishes like cajun hot honey shrimp or the richness of marry me shrimp orzo. This sauce delivers.
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Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken | Unbelievably Easy & Addictive
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy sweet chili chicken is a fast, flavorful dish with juicy chicken bites fried until golden, then tossed in a sticky, tangy-sweet chili glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes and perfect with rice.
Ingredients
600 g (1 lb 5 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp sea salt flakes
½ tsp cracked black pepper
1 egg
½ cup (60 g) cornflour (cornstarch)
Oil, for frying
For the Sweet Chili Sauce:
1 tsp freshly minced garlic
1 tsp freshly minced ginger
½ cup (125 ml) sweet chili sauce
¼ cup (60 ml) tamari or all-purpose soy sauce
¼ cup (60 ml) rice vinegar, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lime juice
To Serve:
Steamed rice
1 spring onion (scallion), finely sliced
1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Place chicken in a bowl with paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, egg, and cornflour. Mix until a paste forms around chicken.
2. In another bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high. Fry chicken for 5–6 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through.
4. Drain fried chicken on paper towel. Discard oil and wipe pan clean.
5. Add sauce to pan over medium-low heat. Cook for 2–3 minutes until it starts bubbling and thickens.
6. Return chicken to pan and coat thoroughly in sauce.
7. Serve hot over steamed rice, topped with spring onions and sesame seeds.
8. Optional: Add a few tablespoons of hot water to loosen extra sauce for drizzling.
Notes
Air Fryer Version:
Skip adding cornflour to the bowl mix. Instead, dip each coated chicken piece in cornflour individually.
Spray air fryer basket with oil. Place chicken in a single layer and spray with oil again.
Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 6–8 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.
Toss with sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop or Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: crispy sweet chili chicken, chicken recipes, weeknight dinner, sweet chili sauce, Skinless chicken breast, sweet chilli sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, spring onion
Techniques to Make It Like a Pro
Fry or Air Fry? Your Crunch, Your Choice
You’ve got two solid options here: traditional frying or air frying. Both methods give excellent results, and the air fryer makes cleanup easier. For frying, use a heavy-bottomed pan and neutral oil—enough to let the chicken pieces float slightly. Fry each batch for 5–6 minutes, flipping once. For air frying, coat each piece individually in cornflour and spray with oil generously. Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
No matter the method, make sure your chicken doesn’t crowd the pan or basket. Overcrowding means soggy bites—and we’re here for crispy. Just like when I tested techniques for the crockpot teriyaki chicken and rice, spacing and timing matter.
How to Serve It Like a Takeout Favorite
The final step is tossing that golden chicken in the bubbling sauce. Stir the sauce in the pan over medium-low heat until it thickens—don’t rush it. Then add the chicken back in and stir until coated. You can also deglaze the pan with a splash of hot water for extra sauce.
Serve it on steamed jasmine rice, topped with scallions and sesame seeds. For a visual and flavor pop, pair it with sautéed greens or edamame. The vibrant look and sticky glaze are as stunning as what you’d expect from high-end Asian bistros—or from your lazy French onion soup night turned fancy.
Pairings That Elevate the Experience
Best Sides to Serve With Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken
Wondering what to serve with crispy sweet chili chicken? Keep it simple. A bowl of fluffy rice is classic, but fried rice or even cauliflower rice work just as well. Steamed vegetables like bok choy or broccoli add freshness and color. You can also try it with garlic noodles, cucumber salad, or lettuce wraps for texture.
I often add a starter like marry me dip to kick things off—its creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the crispy heat of the chicken.
Make It a Meal: Build Your Own Takeout Night
Turn this dish into a full spread by combining it with other bold, quick mains. Serve with firecracker shrimp for a fiery combo, or try chilled soba noodles with sesame oil and shredded veggies. For drinks, think crisp whites or even Thai iced tea.
Creating a weeknight feast that feels like takeout—but healthier and cheaper—is what makes this recipe shine. Plus, it reheats well, so leftovers turn into a gift for the next day.
Storing, Reheating, and Customizing
How to Store and Reheat Like a Meal Prep Master
Store crispy sweet chili chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It holds up well and reheats quickly in a microwave or skillet. For best results, reheat the chicken separately from any rice to avoid sogginess.
You can also freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Reheat in a pan or microwave after defrosting, stirring occasionally to restore that glossy finish. It’s an ideal option if you’re prepping meals like marry me shrimp orzo or other favorites for the week ahead.
Variations to Try Next Time
Feeling adventurous? Try these tweaks:
- Make it spicier with sriracha or crushed chili flakes
- Add honey or pineapple for extra sweetness
- Use tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version
- Switch chicken for shrimp, inspired by firecracker shrimp
Each twist brings out different highlights in the sauce and texture. You’ll never get bored of this base recipe.
Conclusion
Crispy sweet chili chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s fast, bold, and balanced—a dish that feels like a treat but is easy enough for a Tuesday night. From stovetop to air fryer, with rice or noodles, spicy or mild, it adapts to your cravings.
This isn’t just about crispy chicken. It’s about creating moments around the table that feel warm, flavorful, and unforgettable.
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FAQs About Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken
What to serve with crispy chilli chicken?
It pairs best with rice, steamed vegetables, or garlic noodles. You can also serve it with Asian-style salads or lettuce wraps for contrast
What is Chinese crispy chicken called?
Common names include “General Tso’s chicken,” “Orange chicken,” or “Crispy sesame chicken,” all referencing deep-fried chicken coated in sweet-savory sauces.
What goes with sweet chilli chicken?
Sweet chilli chicken goes well with sides like fried rice, cucumber salad, roasted veggies, or noodle stir-fries.
What is the dry Chinese chicken called?
Dry-style chicken dishes are often called “Chili chicken dry” or “Dry Manchurian,” especially in Indo-Chinese cooking.