Sweet Chili Crisp Chicken Bites Recipe
Introduction
Sweet Chili Crisp Chicken Bites are a flavorful and quick dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. These tender chicken pieces are coated in a tangy, spicy-sweet sauce that delivers a delightful kick with every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (or chicken thighs)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup chili crisp
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 green onions, diced (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the chicken into 1-2 inch pieces. In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine the chicken, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Step 2: To prepare the sweet chili crisp sauce, whisk together the chili crisp, honey, and 1 tablespoon lime juice in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden crust. Then stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until nearly cooked through.
- Step 4: Pour the sweet chili crisp sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites if preferred over chicken breast.
- Adjust the amount of chili crisp to control the spice level to your liking.
- Serve over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your chili crisp and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Storage
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and tend to stay juicier and more flavorful, making for a delicious variation.
Is chili crisp very spicy?
Chili crisp can vary in heat depending on the brand, but it generally offers a balanced spice with savory and crunchy elements. You can adjust the quantity to suit your spice preference.
PrintSweet Chili Crisp Chicken Bites Recipe
Sweet Chili Crisp Chicken Bites are tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast cooked to perfection in a flavorful sweet and spicy chili crisp sauce. This quick and easy skillet recipe combines savory sesame oil, tangy lime juice, and a delicious balance of heat and sweetness from chili crisp and honey, making it a perfect appetizer or main dish for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (or chicken thighs), cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (divided)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sweet Chili Crisp Sauce
- ¼ cup chili crisp
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For Cooking & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-2 inch pieces. In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, cornstarch, salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well to ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Make the sweet chili crisp sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chili crisp, honey, and 1 tablespoon lime juice until smooth. Set this sauce aside until the chicken is cooked.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil to the pan. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet and let them cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes to develop a nice sear. Stir the chicken bites, then cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until they are nearly cooked through.
- Add the sauce and finish cooking: Pour the prepared sweet chili crisp sauce over the chicken and toss to coat all the bites evenly. Continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to finish cooking through.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the chicken bites with thinly sliced green onions and serve warm for a delicious and flavorful dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can dust the chicken with a bit more cornstarch before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of chili crisp depending on your preferred spice level.
- Chicken thighs can be used as a juicier alternative to chicken breast.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh green salad.
- Leftover chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Keywords: sweet chili crisp chicken, chicken bites, skillet chicken, spicy chicken appetizer, easy chicken recipe, honey chili chicken
