If you’re craving a delicious, vibrant meal that’s bursting with flavor and color, this Sweet Chili Chicken with Vegetables Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken coated in a luscious sweet chili sauce with crisp, fresh vegetables that add crunch and nutrition. The balance of sweet, savory, and lightly spicy notes makes every bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a little special without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from adding savory depth to contributing a satisfying texture and vibrant colors that brighten the plate.
- 1 pound chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce: The star of the dish, providing sweet heat and sticky glaze.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a rich umami flavor that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives the chicken a nice coating.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing the overall flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables to golden perfection.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Brings fragrant warmth and depth.
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger: Offers a slightly spicy and fresh note that complements the sauce.
- 1 bell pepper: Sliced, to add sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Provides crunch and nutrition with a lovely green pop.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for a nutty texture and beautiful finish.
- Green onions: Sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens every bite.
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken with Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by whisking together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces into this mixture until each piece is evenly coated. Letting the chicken marinate for 15 minutes allows the flavors to deeply infuse the meat, setting the stage for a truly tasty dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the marinated chicken pieces in an even layer and sauté them, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through—about 7 to 10 minutes. Once perfectly cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for the next step.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing just for about 30 seconds until their aromas are released and fill your kitchen. Next, toss in the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets. Stir-fry the veggies for 5 to 7 minutes, so they stay crisp yet tender, maintaining their vibrant colors and fresh taste.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in any remaining marinade to ensure every bite is coated in that luscious sauce. Cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring well to blend the flavors perfectly and warm everything through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your sweet chili chicken and vegetables onto serving plates. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions to add delightful texture and a burst of color. Now, your Sweet Chili Chicken with Vegetables Recipe is ready to enjoy, especially when paired with steaming rice or noodles for a hearty meal.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken with Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions isn’t just for decoration—they add a wonderful nuttiness and freshness that lifts the entire dish. You could even toss in some chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra pop of brightness and complexity.
Side Dishes
This Sweet Chili Chicken with Vegetables Recipe pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or steamed brown rice, which soak up the sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside cooked quinoa or rice noodles. A crisp side salad with a tangy dressing also complements the warm, saucy dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken and veggies wrapped in lettuce cups or nestled inside warm tortillas for an Asian-inspired wrap. You could also build a colorful Buddha bowl with grains, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce for an Instagram-worthy meal that tastes as good as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can safely store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more when the dish rests overnight, making next-day meals even tastier.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal because the vegetables may lose some texture when thawed. If you choose to freeze, place the chicken and sauce separately from the vegetables in freezer-safe bags or containers, and consume within 1 month for the best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving directly from frozen to preserve the texture of the chicken and vegetables. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the sauce from thickening too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this Sweet Chili Chicken with Vegetables Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap bell peppers and broccoli for snap peas, carrots, or zucchini based on what you have or prefer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the vegetable’s tenderness.
Is this recipe spicy?
The sweet chili sauce provides mild heat balanced by sweetness, making it approachable for most palates. If you love more spice, you can add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to ramp up the heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari or coconut aminos) and check that your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free. This keeps all the flavor while accommodating dietary needs.
What’s the best way to cut chicken breast for this dish?
Cut the chicken into evenly sized bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, uniform cooking. This also makes it easier to eat with vegetables and rice.
Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! This Sweet Chili Chicken with Vegetables Recipe reheats well, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping lunches or dinners. Just keep sauce and vegetables hydrated during storage to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
Cooking and sharing this Sweet Chili Chicken with Vegetables Recipe is like welcoming a little celebration onto your dinner table. It’s wholesome, packed with flavor, and simple enough to become a regular favorite. I hope you enjoy making it as much as you enjoy eating it—there’s just something so comforting about bright, saucy chicken and veggies all in one delicious dish. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a go-to recipe for busy nights and happy gatherings.
Print
Sweet Chili Chicken with Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is a vibrant, flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast pieces marinated in a tangy sweet chili sauce, then sautéed with crisp bell peppers and broccoli. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner and is best served hot over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for 15 minutes so it absorbs the flavors fully.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, sautéing until browned on all sides and cooked through, which will take about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets. Stir-fry the vegetables for 5 to 7 minutes until they are just tender but still bright and crisp.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any remaining marinade. Cook everything together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring well to coat the chicken and vegetables with the sauce and heat through evenly.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the sweet chili chicken and vegetables onto serving plates. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over your choice of rice or noodles and enjoy your flavorful dinner.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for 15 minutes enhances the flavor but can be extended up to 30 minutes if time allows.
- For a spicier kick, add red chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies to the marinade or during cooking.
- Substitute bell pepper and broccoli with other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini based on preference or availability.
- Gluten-free soy sauce can be used for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice sear for better texture.
