What you’ll need
To create these flavorful bites, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (your choice!)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Feel free to experiment with different sweeteners or sauces according to your taste preferences!
Directions to follow
- Start by tossing the chicken pieces in cornstarch, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
- While the chicken cooks, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl.
- Once the chicken is browned, pour the sauce into the skillet. Lower the heat to medium and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the chicken.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Best ways to enjoy it
For a complete meal, consider serving these spicy bites over steamed jasmine rice or alongside a fresh cucumber salad—something to balance the heat! You could also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking. Drizzle some extra sweet chili sauce or a squeeze of lime for added zing!
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you find yourself with some leftovers, don’t worry! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to bring back the crispiness. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze the chicken bites for up to a month. Just ensure they’re fully cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Helpful cooking tips
- For an extra crunchy texture, consider double-coating the chicken by dipping the pieces in egg before tossing them in cornstarch.
- If you’re a fan of heat, adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your taste.
- Always ensure that chicken is fully cooked by checking it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Recipe variations
Feel like changing it up? Try adding vegetables like diced bell peppers or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for some extra nutrition and color. You could also experiment with a different protein such as shrimp or tofu for a delightful twist.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire cooking process takes about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a quick weeknight meal.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to defrost the chicken completely before preparing this dish to ensure even cooking.
Is it possible to make this dish spicy without sriracha?
Absolutely! You can use chili paste or diced fresh chili peppers if you’d like an alternative heat source.
With these cooking tips and helpful variations, you’re all set to impress your friends and family with this easy and flavorful dish. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
