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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, green) - 1 medium sliced onion - 3 cloves minced garlic - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 teaspoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Cooked jasmine rice, for serving For this sweet chili chicken, I focus on fresh, vibrant ingredients. You need juicy chicken thighs for tenderness and flavor. I love using colorful bell peppers. They add crunch and sweetness. The onion gives a nice depth, while garlic packs a punch. The sauce is the star here. Sweet chili sauce brings a sweet heat. Soy sauce adds umami. Rice vinegar gives it a nice tang. Cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce. This mix creates a glaze that clings to the chicken and veggies. Don’t forget the cooking essentials! Sesame oil adds a nutty taste. Vegetable oil helps the chicken sear perfectly. You can adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Fresh cilantro adds a bright finish, and jasmine rice makes a great base for this dish. These ingredients come together for a meal that is tastier than takeout! - Combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch in a bowl. - Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This step helps the sauce thicken later. - Season chicken with salt and black pepper to taste. - Sauté in vegetable oil over medium-high heat until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the chicken cooks evenly. - Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. This softens the veggies and adds flavor. - Incorporate minced garlic and sesame oil, cooking for one more minute until fragrant. - Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, then stir well to coat everything. - Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes. Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best results. They stay moist and flavorful. Look for pieces that are firm and pink. Avoid any with a gray tint or a slimy feel. Marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes. This adds great flavor and helps keep it tender. You can even marinate it overnight for a richer taste. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sweet chili sauce. If you want more heat, add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water, then add it to the pan. Stir constantly until the sauce becomes glossy and thick. This step is key for that takeout feel at home. Serve sweet chili chicken with fluffy jasmine rice. The rice soaks up all the sauce, making each bite amazing. You might also pair it with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for a fresh crunch. For garnish, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. This adds color and a burst of flavor. Keep it simple for a beautiful presentation that looks gourmet! {{image_2}} You can switch up proteins in this dish. Try shrimp or tofu for a fun twist. Both options absorb the sweet chili sauce well. You will still get a tasty meal. Adding more veggies makes it colorful and healthy. Think about using broccoli or snap peas. These veggies add crunch and flavor. You can even mix in carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition. Want more heat? Adding chili flakes or fresh chilies can spice things up. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. This will give your dish a nice kick. You can experiment with different marinades too. Try a garlic or ginger marinade. These flavors mix well with the sweet chili sauce, giving your dish a new life. You can bake or stir-fry this dish. Baking is an easy option. It allows the chicken to cook evenly without much effort. Stir-frying gives you a nice, crispy texture. A slow cooker or instant pot works well, too. These methods let the flavors blend beautifully over time. Just adjust the cooking time for the chicken to stay tender and juicy. To store your sweet chili chicken, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. This keeps it fresh for later meals. When reheating, use a skillet or microwave. Heat until the chicken is hot all the way through. Stir often in the skillet to warm evenly. You can freeze sweet chili chicken for later enjoyment. Divide it into portions for easy use. Use freezer bags or safe containers. Squeeze out any air before sealing. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet for best results. This keeps the flavors bright and fresh. Sweet chili chicken lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. If frozen, it stays good for up to 3 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in color. When in doubt, throw it out! This ensures you enjoy a safe and tasty meal. Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast is leaner and has less fat. This can make it a healthier choice. However, chicken breast can dry out faster than thighs. To keep it juicy, avoid overcooking it. Thighs have a richer taste and stay tender, even when cooked longer. If you want to use chicken breast, cut it into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly and stay moist. To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use substitutes. Replace regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce. You can also use tamari for a similar taste. For cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch. Both work well as thickening agents. Always check labels to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy sweet chili chicken without any gluten worries. Sweet chili chicken pairs well with several side dishes. Here are some great options: - Steamed jasmine rice - Fried rice with vegetables - Stir-fried broccoli or green beans - A fresh salad with a light dressing - Asian-style noodles with sesame oil These sides add flavor and balance to your meal. Try mixing and matching to find your perfect plate! This blog post covered how to make a delicious sweet chili chicken dish. We discussed the main ingredients, sauce components, and step-by-step cooking instructions. You learned tips to ensure tender chicken and how to customize the sauce. Plus, I shared storage tips and common questions about the recipe. Cooking should be fun and easy. With a bit of practice and creativity, you can make this dish your own. Enjoy your sweet chili chicken and happy cooking!

Sweet Chili Chicken Better Than Takeout

Discover the deliciousness of Sweet Chili Chicken with this easy recipe! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish features tender chicken thighs, colorful bell peppers, and a savory sweet chili sauce that brings it all together. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a flavorful meal served over jasmine rice that your family will love. Click for the full recipe and start cooking this mouthwatering dish tonight! #SweetChiliChicken #DinnerIdeas #EasyRecipes #ComfortFood
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced

1 medium onion, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 teaspoons sesame oil

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Stir thoroughly until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This will be your sauce mixture.

    Season the cut chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.

      Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the chicken is stir-fried evenly.

        Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet, and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until they soften.

          Add the minced garlic and sesame oil, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

            Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

              Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

                Serve the sweet chili chicken over a bed of cooked jasmine rice for a complete meal.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4