Best Sweet Chilli Chicken (Sticky, Sweet & Spicy Asian-Inspired)

Sweet Chilli Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and savory. Made with golden-seared or air-fried chicken and coated in a glossy homemade sweet chilli glaze, this dish brings irresistible Asian-inspired flavor to your table. Whether served with jasmine rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps, it’s easy to prepare and full of bold taste. Plus, it works great for dinner or as a party appetizer!

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 25 mins

Cooking Method: Air Fryer, Pan-cooked

Cuisine: Asian

Courses: Appetizer, Dinner, Main course

Difficulty: Beginner

Cooking Temp: 200 C

Servings: 3

Estimated Cost: 11

Calories: 360 kcal per serving

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Crispy chicken pieces tossed in a glossy, sweet, and mildly spicy chilli sauce — an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that takes under 30 minutes to make!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

500 g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes (1.1 lbs)
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sweet Chilli Sauce:

1/2 cup sweet chilli sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp honey (optional for extra sweetness)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Optional Garnishes:

Chopped green onions
Toasted sesame seeds
Red chilli flakes (for more heat)
Lime wedges

Instructions

1
1. Prep the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and garlic powder.
2
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and crispy, about 6–7 minutes, flipping halfway. Alternatively, air fry at 200°C/400°F for 8–10 minutes.
3
3. Make the Sauce: In a small pan, combine sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and honey. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. If using cornstarch slurry, stir it in and simmer until thickened.
4
4. Glaze the Chicken: Toss the cooked chicken with the warm sauce until evenly coated and sticky.
5
5. Serve & Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and a wedge of lime. Perfect with jasmine rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 3

Amount Per Serving
Calories 360kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 2.5g13%
Cholesterol 80mg27%
Sodium 600mg25%
Potassium 460mg14%
Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%
Sugars 12g
Protein 36g72%

Vitamin A 50 IU
Calcium 18 mg
Iron 1.5 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

📦 Storage Notes:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or air fryer. Not freezer-friendly due to sauce texture.

📝 Notes:

Want it spicier? Add more chilli flakes or a touch of sriracha to the sauce.
Gluten-free tip: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Pair with jasmine rice, fried rice, or over a fresh crunchy slaw for contrast.

Keywords: sweet chilli chicken, Asian chicken recipes, sticky chicken, spicy chicken, dinner recipes, easy chicken meals