Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the sizzling pan, the sweet and spicy aroma of Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken enveloped my kitchen, instantly transforming it into my favorite Asian eatery. This recipe is a treasure for busy weeknights, and it doesn’t just promise a quick and delicious meal; it’s also naturally gluten-free and adaptable for vegetarians or vegans using tofu or colorful veggies. Imagine serving up a glossy, sticky chicken that’s juicy on the inside and caramelized on the outside, all ready in under 30 minutes! Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds. Curious how to whip up this flavor-packed dish that will brighten your dinner routine? Let’s dive into the details! Why is this recipe a must-try? Quick and Easy: In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal that dazzles! Flavor Explosion: The sweet and spicy sticky glaze is a perfect harmony of flavors that delights every palate. Versatile Dish: Feel free to swap chicken for firm tofu or veggies to cater to any dietary preference. Healthy & Nutritious: This dish is naturally gluten-free and packed with protein, making it both indulgent and wholesome. Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress and keep them coming back for more! Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken Breasts – Provides the protein base; substitute with firm tofu for a vegetarian option. For the Sauce • Tomato Ketchup – Adds sweetness and tang; can be swapped for hoisin sauce for a richer glaze. • Garlic – Offers punchy flavor; use minced fresh garlic for best results. • Ginger – Enhances aroma and flavor; fresh ginger is preferable, but jarred works too. • Light Soy Sauce – Adds savory depth; check for gluten-free options. • Sweet Chilli Sauce – Brings sweetness with a kick; adjust quantity based on spice preferences. For Cooking • Sunflower Oil – Used for frying; can replace with a different cooking oil if preferred. For Garnishing • Sesame Seeds – Optional garnish that adds texture and flavor. • Spring Onions – Freshness and a pop of color for garnish. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken Step 1: Marinate Chicken Begin by dicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with ketchup, minced garlic, fresh ginger, light soy sauce, and sweet chilli sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate this mixture for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors of the Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken to penetrate and enhance the meat. Step 2: Heat Oil In a large frying pan over medium heat, add sunflower oil and let it warm up for about 2-3 minutes until shimmering. This is the perfect time to prepare your workspace and set up your ingredients for the next steps. The shimmering oil indicates that the pan is at the right temperature to achieve a golden-brown color for the chicken. Step 3: Cook Chicken Carefully add the marinated chicken to the hot pan in a single layer. Sauté for about 10 minutes, turning the chicken pieces occasionally to ensure even cooking. Look for a golden-brown color and a slight caramelization on the edges, which signifies that the chicken is cooking perfectly and ready for the next phase. Step 4: Thicken Glaze In the last minute of cooking, increase the heat to high and stir gently to ensure the chicken pieces are fully coated. This will help the glaze thicken nicely, adhering to the chicken. Watch closely as the sauce becomes glossy, creating that delightful sticky finish that makes Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken so irresistible. Step 5: Serve Once cooked, transfer the sticky chicken to a serving plate, ideally over a bed of fluffy sticky or jasmine rice. For an extra touch, sprinkle with sesame seeds and finely chopped spring onions. Serving hot will elevate the aroma and visual appeal, making your meal even more enticing and inviting. Make Ahead Options Preparing Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken ahead of time is a game-changer for busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken in the sauce (ketchup, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sweet chilli sauce) up to 24 hours in advance to really let those flavors develop. Simply cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. You can also chop the garlic and ginger the night before for even quicker prep. On the day of serving, just heat sunflower oil, cook the marinated chicken for about 10 minutes, and finish by thickening the glaze for those just-as-delicious results. This means more time for you and your loved ones at the dinner table! How to Store and Freeze Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and flavorful. Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken along with the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat for the best texture, or use a microwave for a quick meal. Ensure it’s heated through to maintain the sticky glaze. What to Serve with Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken Elevate your dining experience by pairing delightful sides with the tantalizing flavors of this dish, transforming it into a complete meal. Fluffy Jasmine Rice: The light and aromatic fluffy rice absorbs the sticky glaze, adding a soft texture that beautifully complements each savory bite. Steamed Broccoli: This bright, fresh side adds a crunchy texture and a vibrant green color, balancing the sweetness of the chicken while providing excellent nutrition. Crispy Prawn Crackers: Add a delightful crunch to your meal; these savory snacks provide a fun contrast to the sticky chicken and a taste of adventure! Vibrant Mango Salad: The sweetness of ripe mango combined with zesty citrus dressing offers a refreshing pop that cuts through the richness of the glaze perfectly. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their smooth, buttery goodness provides a comforting base, allowing the sticky sauce to shine through with each mouthful. Chilled Cucumber Salad: This crunchy, cool salad brings a refreshing touch to your plate, balancing the warm flavors of the sticky sweet chicken with its crispness. Coconut Rice: Substituting jasmine rice with coconut rice introduces a subtle sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the dish’s flavors, creating a tropical vibe. Iced Green Tea: A refreshing drink option that complements your meal well; its mild, herbal qualities cut through the richness, making dinner feel light and balanced. These delightful pairings not only create a visually stunning plate but also enhance the flavor experience of your Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken! Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken Variations Feel free to explore these delightful twists to make the dish truly your own! Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or your choice of hearty vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for a colorful meal. Quinoa Upgrade: Replace rice with fluffy quinoa for a delightful texture that boosts your protein intake and adds a nutty flavor. Sweet Heat: Add chopped fresh chili or red pepper flakes at the end to turn up the heat; this is perfect for spice enthusiasts! Citrus Burst: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish just before serving for a zesty finish that brightens up the sticky sauce. Signature Glaze: Swap tomato ketchup for hoisin sauce for a richer flavor profile that brings a new dimension to the sweet and spicy notes. Nutty Crunch: Toss in slivered almonds or chopped peanuts as a garnish for an irresistible, crunchy texture alongside your sticky chicken. Soy-Free Swap: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free and soy-free version that still packs a savory punch. Herby Freshness: Add chopped cilantro or basil as a garnish for an aromatic touch that complements the sweet and spicy elements perfectly. These variations not only enhance your Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken experience but also make it adaptable for everyone around the dinner table. And while you’re experimenting, consider trying out other vibrant meals like Sausage Sweet Potatoes or Glazed Bacon Chicken for more family favorites! Expert Tips for Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken Even Cooking: Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking, resulting in a perfectly tender Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken. Marinating Time: For richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken for up to an hour instead of just 15 minutes to really enhance the taste. Watch the Heat: Keep an eye on the pan’s heat during cooking; too high can scorch the glaze. Adjust as necessary for a flawless finish. Thickening Trick: Don’t rush the final cooking phase; bringing the heat up gradually helps achieve that beautiful sticky glaze that clings to the chicken. Easy Substitutions: If you’re opting for a vegetarian version, use firm tofu or a mix of colorful veggies, ensuring to adjust cooking times accordingly. Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for this recipe? Absolutely! I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender and juicy result. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, firm tofu works wonderfully as a substitute and absorbs the flavors beautifully. How should I store leftover Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken? You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the chicken cool down to room temperature before sealing it up to maintain its juicy goodness! Can I freeze Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken? Yes, you can! To freeze, place the cooked chicken along with the sauce into an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. It should be fine for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. What should I do if the glaze is too runny? Very! If you find that the glaze is too thin, simply increase the heat during the last minute of cooking. Doing so will help it thicken up nicely. Stir gently to ensure it clings evenly to the chicken. If needed, you can also mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce to help it thicken. Is Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken suitable for people with food allergies? Definitely! However, it’s essential to consider soy allergies, as the recipe contains light soy sauce. For gluten-free needs, opt for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Always check product labels to ensure they meet your dietary requirements. How can I make this recipe spicier? If spice is what you crave, feel free to add some chopped fresh chili or increase the amount of sweet chilli sauce according to your taste preference. The more the merrier when it comes to heat! Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken: Your New Favorite Weeknight Feast Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken is a quick, gluten-free dish that dazzles with sweet and spicy flavors—perfect for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AsianCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2 pieces Chicken Breasts or firm tofu for vegetarian optionFor the Sauce1/2 cup Tomato Ketchup can be swapped for hoisin sauce3 cloves Garlic minced fresh for best results1 inch Ginger fresh preferred1 tablespoon Light Soy Sauce check for gluten-free options1/4 cup Sweet Chilli Sauce adjust based on spice preferenceFor Cooking2 tablespoons Sunflower Oil can replace with other cooking oilFor Garnishing2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds optional garnish2 stalks Spring Onions chopped for garnish Equipment Frying pan Method Marination and CookingDice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine chicken with ketchup, minced garlic, fresh ginger, light soy sauce, and sweet chilli sauce. Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.In a large frying pan over medium heat, add sunflower oil and warm for 2-3 minutes.Add marinated chicken to the hot pan in a single layer. Sauté for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.In the last minute, increase heat to high and stir to coat chicken pieces in glaze.Transfer sticky chicken to a serving plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and spring onions, and serve hot. Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesEnsure chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. For richer flavor, marinate up to an hour. Adjust heat carefully during cooking to avoid scorching the glaze. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
