Hey there! If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only quick to whip up but also bursts with flavor, then my Sweet Chili Chicken Skillet is just what you need! Seriously, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so versatile and satisfying. In just about 25 minutes, you can have tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy chili sauce, paired with vibrant veggies. The colors alone make it so enticing! I love serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, making it the perfect weeknight dinner that feels a little special. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will be on your regular rotation!
Ingredients for Sweet Chili Chicken Skillet
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (this is where the magic happens!)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds a savory depth)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on this for flavor!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken to perfection)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (I love using red or yellow for color)
- 1 onion, sliced (adds sweetness when sautéed)
- Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is key, so taste as you go!)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking—trust me, it makes the whole process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Sweet Chili Chicken Skillet
Alright, let’s dive into the cooking part! This process is super straightforward, and I promise it’ll be deliciously rewarding. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal on the table in no time!
Step 1: Heat the Oil
First things first, grab your skillet and heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This is key because we want the oil hot enough to give the chicken a beautiful sear, but not so hot that it smokes. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers a bit!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Now, toss in your diced chicken breast! Cook it for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s nicely browned on all sides. Look for that golden color—this means it’s locking in those juicy flavors. Make sure it’s cooked through; you can cut a piece in half to check if it’s no longer pink inside.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Once the chicken is browned, it’s time to add the minced garlic, sliced bell pepper, and onion. Sauté everything together for another 3–5 minutes. You want the veggies to soften and become fragrant. The onion should be translucent and the peppers tender but still vibrant—this will really brighten up the dish!
Step 4: Combine Sauces
Next, pour in that luscious sweet chili sauce along with the soy sauce. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly. You’ll want to coat the chicken and veggies well, so every bite is packed with flavor!
Step 5: Simmer
Now, let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. Keep an eye on it; you should see a slight bubbling. If it gets too thick, you can always add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.
Step 6: Seasoning
Finally, it’s time to season! Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy—taste as you go to find that perfect balance. You want it to be just right, so it brings out all the sweet and savory notes!
Step 7: Serve
And voilà! Your Sweet Chili Chicken Skillet is ready to shine! Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles. For a pretty presentation, add a sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds on top. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously bold flavors from the sweet chili sauce and fresh veggies.
- Versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins!
- A one-pan dish means less cleanup, which I’m all for!
- Great for meal prep, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tips for Success with Sweet Chili Chicken Skillet
To take your Sweet Chili Chicken Skillet to the next level, here are some handy tips! First off, if you want to adjust the sweetness, feel free to play with the amount of sweet chili sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat!
If you don’t have chicken breast on hand, thighs work wonderfully too—just make sure to cook them until they reach the right temperature. And don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite veggies; broccoli, snap peas, or even carrots can add a nice crunch and color.
Lastly, for a gluten-free option, double-check that your soy sauce is gluten-free. Cooking is all about experimenting, so have fun with it!
Nutritional Information for Sweet Chili Chicken Skillet
Each serving of my Sweet Chili Chicken Skillet is packed with goodness! You can expect about 320 calories, with 10g of fat, 30g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. It also has a touch of sweetness with around 12g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust based on your preferences. This dish is not just delicious but also a well-rounded option for your dinner table!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before dicing and cooking. It might take a bit longer to cook through, so keep an eye on it.
What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce? If you’re in a pinch, you can mix equal parts of honey and soy sauce with a dash of hot sauce for a homemade version! It gives you that sweet and spicy flavor.
Can I make this dish spicy? Definitely! Add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when you sauté the vegetables for an extra kick!
Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce. It’s a great option for those avoiding gluten while still enjoying a flavorful meal.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious Sweet Chili Chicken Skillet leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep! When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, I recommend reheating them gently on the stove over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or a bit more sweet chili sauce to keep it moist. You can also use the microwave; just cover it loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Enjoy those tasty flavors again!
Print
Sweet Chili Chicken Skillet: 7 Flavorful Reasons to Savor
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and flavorful chicken dish cooked in a sweet chili sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Add garlic, bell pepper, and onion. Sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Pour in sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less chili sauce.
- Can substitute vegetables as desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Sweet Chili Chicken Skillet, Chicken, Skillet Dish, Quick Dinner