Name: Lazy Sweet Chili Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp oil (olive, avocado, or sesame); ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); Sesame seeds, for garnish

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Sticky, tangy, and perfectly balanced with a touch of heat—this lazy sweet chili chicken is my go-to when I want something fast, flavorful, and satisfying. Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It's a no-fuss dinner that still feels like a treat.

Lazy Sweet Chili Chicken

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon oil (olive, avocado, or sesame)

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

I heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Then I season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

I add the chicken to the hot pan and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned.

While the chicken cooks, I whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.

I pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet and stir to coat everything evenly.

I reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes the chicken.

Once done, I remove it from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

I usually serve it over rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies for a full meal.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to mix things up.

For a veggie boost, I add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas directly to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.

If I want it spicier, I double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

For a lower-sugar option, I look for a reduced-sugar sweet chili sauce or make my own.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I use the microwave or warm it on the stovetop over low heat until it’s heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, I stir in a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it.

FAQs

How spicy is this sweet chili chicken?

It's mildly spicy from the sweet chili sauce, but I can control the heat by adjusting the red pepper flakes. Leaving them out makes it kid-friendly.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but I always thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even browning and proper texture.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely. I portion it out with rice or veggies and store it in containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, I just use tamari instead of soy sauce, and check that my sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.

What sides go well with this dish?

I like to pair it with jasmine rice, quinoa, stir-fried vegetables, or even lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

Conclusion

This lazy sweet chili chicken is the kind of recipe I keep on rotation—simple, quick, and bursting with flavor. With just a few pantry staples and one skillet, I get a satisfying meal that tastes like I spent way more time on it than I actually did. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, it never disappoints.

Recipe:

Lazy Sweet Chili Chicken

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

Sticky, tangy, and slightly spicy, this Lazy Sweet Chili Chicken is a fast and flavorful one-pan dinner. Ready in under 20 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights and pairs well with rice, veggies, or quinoa.

Instructions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet and stir to coat evenly.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve over rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables if desired.