Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bites for Easy Weeknight Dinners

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bites are the perfect solution for busy weeknight dinners when you crave something delicious yet simple to prepare. These tender chicken pieces are coated in a crispy layer and tossed in a glossy, sweet, and spicy sauce, making them irresistible. Serve them with rice or veggies for a complete meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines satisfying crunch with a delightful flavor profile, making it an instant favorite. It’s quick to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight cooking. Here are a few reasons to love this recipe:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
• Flavorful: A balance of sweet and spicy that excites your taste buds.
• Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or appetizer.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun and tasty way to enjoy chicken.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bites

1. Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Toss them in the cornstarch until they are well-coated.
2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the crispy chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat each piece in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to ensure a crispy exterior.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the level of sweetness or heat by adding more or less sweet chili sauce.

Easy Variations

• Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
• For a healthier version, bake the chicken bites at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Substitute the sweet chili sauce with honey or maple syrup for a different sweet note.

What to Serve With It

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
• A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Stir-fried vegetables for a colorful side dish.
• Crispy wontons or spring rolls for an appetizer spread.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken bites in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep them crisp.

Recipe Card