Description
Sweet Chili Chicken Bites are crispy, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sweet and tangy chili glaze. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish combines a crispy pan-fried chicken texture with a glossy, savory-sweet sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup avocado oil or neutral oil (for frying)
Sauce & Garnish
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Green onion (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them thoroughly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Then toss the pieces in cornstarch to coat evenly, which will help achieve a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Mix the glaze: In a separate bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and vegetarian oyster sauce. Stir well to blend the flavors and set the sauce mixture aside.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the avocado or neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Thicken the glaze: Using the same skillet, pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Simmer the sauce over medium heat for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Coat the chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them in the thickened sauce until each bite is fully coated and shiny. This step ensures the chicken absorbs the sweet and tangy flavors well.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish the chicken bites with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onion. Serve immediately for optimal crispiness and flavor.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken to ensure each piece crisps evenly.
- The vegetarian oyster sauce is a plant-based alternative that gives a rich umami flavor.
- If you prefer, you can use neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil instead of avocado oil.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding chili flakes or fresh chopped chili to the sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Keywords: sweet chili chicken, crispy chicken bites, quick chicken recipe, Asian chicken, pan-fried chicken, sweet chili sauce, bite-sized chicken
