Sweet Chili Chicken with Jasmine Rice is a beloved dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory elements in one irresistible meal. Juicy pieces of chicken are stir-fried to golden perfection and then coated in a glossy Thai-inspired sweet chili sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Served over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice, it’s the kind of dish that satisfies every craving — bold, bright, and comforting all at once.

This dish is inspired by Thai street food, where sweet chili sauce is a staple condiment used to glaze meats and seafood. The sauce’s gentle heat, tempered by its sticky sweetness, makes it appealing to both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors. Combined with the floral aroma of jasmine rice, you get an unforgettable balance that feels both exotic and familiar.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s simple, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying. The sweet chili sauce is the star — it coats the crispy chicken pieces in a glossy, sticky glaze that’s both sweet and mildly spicy. The chicken remains tender inside, while the outer layer gets a beautiful caramelized edge.

It’s a dish that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough to serve guests. The best part? It uses ingredients you probably already have — soy sauce, garlic, honey, and Thai sweet chili sauce — yet tastes like something straight from your favorite Asian restaurant.

And the aroma of jasmine rice simmering while the chicken sizzles? Pure comfort.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 40 minutes. It’s versatile, affordable, and loved by all ages. You can adjust the spice level easily, add veggies, or even swap the protein — it’s that flexible.

Unlike takeout versions that can be overly sweet or greasy, this homemade version strikes the perfect flavor balance — lightly crispy chicken, fresh aromatics, and a sauce that’s tangy, spicy, and just sweet enough.

If you’re craving something fresh, bold, and satisfying, this Sweet Chili Chicken is the perfect dish to elevate your dinner routine.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~520 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Thai / Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts — cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sweet Chili Sauce:

• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic — minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger — grated
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For the Jasmine Rice:

• 1 ½ cups jasmine rice
• 3 cups water
• ½ tsp salt

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

1. Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
5. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

1. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss well to coat evenly.
3. Let marinate for 10 minutes while preparing the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Sweet Chili Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lime juice), honey, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and sesame oil.
2. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
3. Stir-fry for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove and set aside on a plate.

Step 5: Combine with Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium.
2. Pour the sweet chili sauce into the same skillet and bring to a simmer.
3. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
4. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

1. Spoon a serving of jasmine rice onto each plate or bowl.
2. Top with the glazed sweet chili chicken.
3. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges, and cilantro.

How to Serve

Serve Sweet Chili Chicken hot over freshly cooked jasmine rice for the ultimate comfort meal.
It also pairs beautifully with:

• Stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas)
• Fresh cucumber salad
• Asian-style slaw with lime dressing
• Steamed dumplings or spring rolls as a side appetizer

For a complete meal, serve with iced green tea or Thai iced tea for balance.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken — it needs space to crisp up.
• Adjust sweetness and spice to taste — add more chili flakes for extra heat or more honey for sweetness.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier results, though breasts work great for a leaner version.
• If your sauce thickens too much, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to loosen it.
• Toss in vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for color and texture.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh.
• Shrimp Sweet Chili: Use shrimp instead of chicken and cook until pink and opaque.
• Spicy Garlic Chili Chicken: Add more garlic and 1 tbsp sriracha for extra heat.
• Coconut Sweet Chili Chicken: Add ¼ cup coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy, tropical twist.
• Sweet Chili Noodle Bowl: Serve the chicken over rice noodles instead of rice.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked sweet chili chicken (without rice) for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.
• Rice Storage: Store jasmine rice separately in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of water.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Saucepan with lid (for rice)
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and rice in advance, then cook and glaze the chicken right before serving.

Q2: Can I use bottled Thai sweet chili sauce?
Absolutely! It’s a convenient shortcut — just make sure to choose one with balanced sweetness and heat.

Q3: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then toss it in the sauce afterward.

Q4: What can I use instead of jasmine rice?
You can use basmati rice, brown rice, or quinoa as a healthier alternative.

Q5: How spicy is this dish?
It’s mildly spicy. Adjust by adding or reducing chili flakes based on your preference.

Conclusion

Sweet Chili Chicken with Jasmine Rice is the ultimate blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will instantly brighten up your dinner table. The crispy chicken coated in glossy chili glaze, served over fluffy jasmine rice, is comfort food with an exotic twist.

It’s quick, versatile, and full of personality — everything you want in a home-cooked meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a date night, or just for yourself, this dish brings a burst of Thai-inspired flavor that never fails to impress.