Sticky, sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of heat — that’s what you get with this Asian Sweet Chili Sesame Chicken. It’s a better-than-takeout dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes and totally made for weeknights. This dish is all about big flavors with minimal fuss.
If you’re a fan of sweet and spicy sauces that glaze every bite, this is your jam. The sauce uses sweet chili sauce as a base, kicked up with garlic, a splash of soy sauce, and finished with sesame seeds. It’s got that sticky-slick texture that makes every piece of chicken feel indulgent without being heavy.
Best of all, it doesn’t require deep frying. The chicken is lightly browned in a pan and then tossed in sauce to simmer just until glossy and coated. No breading, no oil splatter, no stress.
Serve it with white rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Throw in some stir-fried broccoli or green beans, and you’ve got a full meal.
This recipe is quick enough for weeknights but tasty enough for casual entertaining. It’s also kid-friendly — sweet enough for picky eaters, with the option to turn up the heat if you like things spicier.
And let’s talk leftovers. This reheats beautifully, and the sauce only gets better the next day. It’s also great cold, tucked into a wrap or served over salad.
The ingredients are simple, and you likely have most on hand. Sweet chili sauce is easy to find and keeps well, making this recipe one you can pull out anytime.
It’s a perfect mix of ease, flavor, and versatility — the kind of dinner you’ll want to make on repeat.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sesame)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Optional: chopped green onions, steamed rice, or stir-fried veggies for serving
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in sauce and stir to coat chicken.
- Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately with rice and vegetables.
Tips:
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add crushed red pepper for more heat.
- Stir in steamed broccoli or snap peas for a full meal.
- Double the sauce if serving with noodles or rice bowls.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy.
- Big flavor with simple ingredients.
- Better than takeout.
- Sweet and spicy balanced perfectly.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
This Asian Sweet Chili Sesame Chicken is sticky, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. With a sweet-spicy glaze and no deep frying, it’s a fast favorite for any night of the week.
