Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

This sweet chili chicken recipe combines a light crispy and crunchy coating with a spicy kick. It is light enough to give it the perfect balance. If you like popcorn chicken that is crunchy on the outside and soft inside with a flavor combination of sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and garlic powder, you will want to make this. 

If you are looking for an international cuisine that tastes just like take-out but without the price tag, this is for you! Enjoy family-friendly popcorn chicken that will have you going back for seconds and thirds.

Sweet Chili Chicken with Rice on a plate, ready to eat.

Here's a quick overview of this recipe:

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Serving size: 3
• Family friendly: Absolutely! My son asked for seconds 
• Total cook time: Less than 30 minutes
• Family rating: 9/10 
• Serving suggestions: Serve alongside rice and top with *sesame seeds for a full meal 

What Makes This Chicken Different Than Others?

This chicken recipe is different because it combines a spicy kick with lime juice for a balanced sweet and tangy flavor. None of the ingredients are overpowering. It's a recipe that both kids and adults would enjoy. I never use salt in my recipes which makes my recipes unique. Not adding salt allows the other flavors to fully stand out and provides it with a lighter flavor. 

This meal is Thai-inspired so if you are in the mood from an international meal that doesn't take longer than 30 minutes to make, I strongly suggest this one. 

What Inspired This Popcorn Chicken Recipe?

This recipe was inspired by Rasa Malaysia. Jace and I were leaning more towards authentic food - something we haven't made in awhile. His dream is go to to Japan, so while this isn't Japanese cuisine, it's authentic and an international choice. He also loves spice so I thought we would just try something new and different, yet easy. 

Compared to the original recipe, I removed the salt, cilantro, and white sesame. I swapped out garlic for garlic powder.

Why This Recipe Works

The crispy coating paired with the sticky sweet chili sauce creates the perfect contrast in every bite.

If you are busy during the week with sports, kids school or work, you are most likely looking for simple and easy recipes. I use the instant rice for easier prep, and most of the ingredients I already had in my fridge or pantry. 

Who This Recipe is For

This recipe is for adults and kids alike! My teen had a second helping. If you are a fan of international cuisine, want to cook something that doesn't take all night in the kitchen, or just feel like a kick of spice, this is for you! 

Substitutions

Do you want an air fryer version?
Because the batter is wet, you can either let the chicken sit for 1-2 minutes so the batter coating sticks, spray the air fryer with PAM or cooking spray and then bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. 

You can also turn it into breaded chicken so it cooks better in the air fryer. You can add an Italian seasoning coating to the batter and then air fry at the same temperature for 15-18 minutes flipping halfway.

If you are looking for a less spicier version, you can add less than 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce. Although it does have chilis in the sauce, it truly is not that spicy with that small amount of sauce. 

FAQ

What if I want my chicken more spicy?
If you want it more spicy, feel free to add more of the sweet chili sauce. You can also add in different seasonings such as chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes or paprika. You can also remove the lime and just use more sauce if you would like more heat.

How do I know if the oil is hot enough?
Usually I will add oil in a skillet on medium/high heat. I give it 4-5 minutes and then either listen for it to sizzle or I will splash a tiny bit of water on it. Once it sizzles, it's ready to go. 

Can I air fry the chicken instead?
You can air fry the chicken, but because this recipe uses a wet batter, the texture may vary slightly. For best results, lightly coat the chicken in flour or breadcrumbs before air frying.

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Chili Chicken

For an extra crunch, you can double fry the chicken. Fry the chicken until browned and in a new skillet, add new vegetable oil. Once it sizzles, re-add the chicken for 5 minutes, flipping halfway.

Toss the chicken in the sauce last so that the chicken stays crispy and doesn't end up soggy. If you have extra chicken, try to not sauce the chicken until you are ready to eat. 

If You Enjoy International Cuisine, You May Like

Ingredients For Sweet Chili Chicken

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• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts - cut into chunks
• *Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• *4 tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce (or more, if needed)
• 1 tbsp lime juice (this balances the sweetness)

Ingredients For Batter

• 1 egg white
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup cold water (refrigerated is fine, this helps with a crispier coat when frying)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Note: When you fry the chicken, be sure to not stack the chicken or overcrowd the pan - this makes sure every piece of chicken fries evenly and is not soggy.

How to Make Sweet Chili Popcorn Chicken

✓ Step #1: Make the batter - In a bowl add the egg white, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, water and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined and then add the chicken chunks.

✓ Step #2: Heat oil - On the stove, add two inches of vegetable oil to a skillet and turn on medium/high. Once it sizzles, add the chicken to the oil. 

Chicken frying in a pan on the stove.

Once done to your liking, transfer the chicken to a plate. The chicken should be golden brown.

If you a super crunchy exterior layer like ours, here is what I did: Fried for about 4 minutes, flipped, cooked 4 more minutes, flipped, cooked for 2 minutes and then flipped for 2 more minutes. 

Fried chicken on a towel, ready for sauce.

✓ Step #3: Make the sauce - In a different pan, put together the sauce. Add in the sweet chili sauce, lime juice and garlic powder. Let it cook on medium heat until it boils and then turn to low, add the chicken and cover it in the sauce. Once the sauce is warmed and the chicken is coated, add the chicken to a plate and top with sesame seeds. Serve immediately. 

Sweet Chili chicken topped with sesame seeds on a white plate.

How to Store and Reheat

This chicken is best served immediately but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight plastic container and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or stove for best results.

About the Author

Abbie Guerrero is the creator of Savvy with Abbie and has been blogging since 2009. She has developed over 800 original recipes and shares thoughtful book reviews and personal reflections. Writing has been a lifelong passion and a meaningful form of self-expression.
Recipe and photos by Abbie Guerrero. All photos are original.

Did You Enjoy This Chicken Recipe?

I would love to hear more. Did you make any changes? Comment below and let me know if you made this and what you thought about it. 

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