Indulge in this mouthwatering sweet chili chicken recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds. With its perfect blend of sweetness and spice, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe will shine on your table. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
– 500g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
– 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, while cooking time is around 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 125g) provides about 300 calories, 18g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. This nutritional information is based on one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Start by preparing the chicken thighs; cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, stirring well to coat.
6. Add the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets to the skillet.
7. Continue to cook for another 5-8 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
8. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and crunch.
9. Remove from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
10. Serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use tofu or tempeh instead and adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Serving and Pairings
This sweet chili chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or noodles. Serve alongside a fresh salad or sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until heated through or warm in a skillet over low heat. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken can make it dry; aim for a golden finish.
- Not marinating the chicken can result in less flavor.
- Using too much heat can burn the sauce; keep it at medium.
- Forgetting to add vegetables can lead to a less balanced dish.
- Skipping the sesame seeds means missing out on texture and flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Experiment with different vegetables like snap peas or carrots.
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish keeps well in the fridge and reheats nicely, making it perfect for meal prep.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute.
What can I serve with sweet chili chicken?
This dish goes well with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely! You can increase the spice by adding more chili sauce or including fresh chili peppers in the dish.
Conclusion
This sweet chili chicken recipe is an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its delightful blend of flavors and textures, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the cooking process and the delicious results that follow!
Sweet Chili Chicken
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken thighs boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, stirring well to coat.
- Add the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets to the skillet.
- Continue to cook for another 5-8 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and crunch.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
