Chef Mitchell preparing Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken recipe while traveling through Asia, where street vendors served similar dishes. Over the years, I have perfected my version to bring the authentic flavors to home cooks. It's become a family favorite and a staple at our dinner parties. I love how versatile it is, easy to adjust the sweetness and spiciness to suit everyone's taste."

With over a decade of experience in Asian cuisine, I have developed a passion for creating flavorful and authentic dishes. I specialize in dinner recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. My goal is to inspire home cooks to explore the vibrant tastes of Asian cooking.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken served on a plate

Why This Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its unique blend of flavors that balance sweetness and heat. The use of high-quality sweet chili sauce is the key, providing a delicious glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven. The marination process ensures the chicken absorbs all the flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.

Using simple cooking techniques, this recipe yields impressive results. Baking the chicken creates a juicy interior while the glaze forms a crispy exterior. The addition of garlic and ginger enhances the overall flavor, making it a dish that impresses both family and guests.

💡 Professional Tip

For an even crispier finish, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Additionally, allowing the chicken to marinate longer will enhance the flavor even more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and marinate it ahead of time. Simply store the marinated chicken in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just follow the baking instructions. The flavors will be even more pronounced if allowed to marinate overnight.

If you don't have sweet chili sauce, you can make a quick substitute using a mix of honey, ketchup, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Adjust the quantities to achieve your desired sweetness and spiciness. This alternative will still give you a delicious glaze for your chicken.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. Additionally, the glaze should be bubbling and caramelized, and the chicken should have a golden-brown color on the outside.

Yes, Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely after cooking, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad. You can also add some crispy spring rolls or dumplings for a complete Asian-themed meal. Don't forget to serve lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor!

Cooked Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Reheat thoroughly before serving to enjoy its delicious flavors again.

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the baking instructions. If you have leftovers, they can be stored and enjoyed later, enhancing the flavors even further.

The best way to reheat Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the glaze's stickiness and prevents the chicken from becoming dry.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the chicken turns out dry, it's usually due to overcooking.

Solution: Ensure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and avoid cooking beyond 165°F (75°C). Marinating the chicken longer can also help retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The chicken may not have crispy skin if it wasn't baked at a high enough temperature.

Solution: Ensure the oven is preheated properly and consider broiling for the last few minutes to achieve a crispy finish.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked chicken can become tough and chewy.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, monitor the internal temperature closely and remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C).

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the chicken is undercooked, it may not have reached the proper temperature.

Recovery: Return the chicken to the oven and cook until it reaches the safe internal temperature. Using smaller pieces can help ensure even cooking.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the chicken's exterior burns before cooking through, it may be due to high temperatures or incorrect positioning in the oven.

Prevention: Lower the oven temperature slightly and place chicken away from the broiler. Using a baking sheet can also help even out cooking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, serve with a side of plain rice to help absorb some of the saltiness.

Bland: If the dish is bland, enhance with additional spices or a dash of soy sauce for more depth of flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken

Essential Ingredients for Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken

The key ingredients for this dish include chicken, sweet chili sauce, and a blend of aromatic seasonings. The sweet chili sauce is the star, providing the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Fresh garlic and ginger add depth to the flavor profile, while soy sauce enhances the savory notes.

Using high-quality ingredients will significantly impact the dish's overall taste. Choose fresh chicken for the best texture and flavor. Opt for a low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness and a good quality sweet chili sauce to ensure a delicious glaze.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Always choose fresh chicken for the best results. Bone-in, skin-on pieces provide more flavor and moisture, but boneless cuts are also acceptable for quicker cooking.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: Select a brand of sweet chili sauce that uses natural ingredients. Look for a sauce that has a good balance of sweetness and spice for the best flavor.
  • Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. It’s a great way to enhance flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Cooking process for Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor. Baking in the oven allows the chicken to cook evenly while the glaze caramelizes, creating a beautiful finish.

To achieve perfect results, ensure your chicken is evenly coated with the marinade and bake until just done. Keep an eye on the bake time, as it can vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Broiling at the end gives a lovely crispy texture.

Key Technique for Perfect Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken

The most important technique for this recipe is the marination process. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) helps to infuse the flavors deeply, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish. Additionally, monitoring cooking time and temperature ensures each piece is perfectly cooked.

Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup sweet chili sauce
    For glazing the chicken
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    Adds savory flavor
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    For acidity
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    Adds depth of flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
    Enhances flavor
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    For richness
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    Thickens the glaze

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 cup sweet chili sauce
    For glazing the chicken
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    Adds savory flavor
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    For acidity
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    Adds depth of flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
    Enhances flavor
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    For richness
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    Thickens the glaze
  • 1/4 cup water
    To mix with cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon green onions, sliced
    For garnish
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
    For garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    Season to preference
  • Lime wedges for serving
    Adds brightness

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Gather all ingredients and cut the chicken into pieces.

  2. Make the Marinade

    In a bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.

  3. Marinate Chicken

    Add chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.

  4. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  5. Bake Chicken

    Place marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.

  6. Prepare the Glaze

    In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch with water and heat until thickened.

  7. Glaze the Chicken

    Brush the thickened glaze over the chicken and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

  8. Garnish and Serve

    Remove from the oven, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with lime wedges.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish after it has cooled completely.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also add a side salad or spring rolls for a more elaborate dinner spread.

Recipe Variations

You can easily customize this recipe by using different types of proteins such as shrimp or tofu. Additionally, you can adjust the spice level by adding more chili flakes or using a spicier sweet chili sauce.