Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Bites

$- 1 lb boneless chicken breast - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 green onions, finely chopped - Sesame seeds for garnish - Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice To make Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Bites, you need simple yet key ingredients. First, start with one pound of boneless chicken breast. Cut it into bite-sized cubes. This size helps them cook well and makes them easy to eat. Next, we need a half cup of cornstarch. This will give the chicken a nice, crispy coating. It also helps the sauce stick later. For the sweet and spicy flavor, grab half a cup of Thai sweet chili sauce. This sauce is the star of the dish. It adds sweetness and a little heat. Now, let’s season our chicken. You will use half a teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. These simple spices enhance the chicken's taste. For a fresh finish, chop two green onions finely. They add color and a nice crunch. Don’t forget sesame seeds for garnish. They give a lovely look and slight nuttiness. For cooking, you’ll need oil for frying. Both vegetable and canola oil work well. You’ll also need two tablespoons of soy sauce and one tablespoon of fresh lime juice for our tasty sauce. These ingredients will balance the sweetness of the chili sauce and add depth to the flavor. With these ingredients, you’re ready to create a dish that’s not just easy but also full of flavor. Get ready to enjoy these delightful bites! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a mixing bowl. Add the cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well. Next, add the chicken cubes and toss them until they are fully coated. This coating gives the chicken a nice crunch when fried. Now, heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer, around 350°F. Carefully add the chicken cubes in batches. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. Remember to flip the chicken halfway through cooking. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on paper towels. This step helps drain excess oil. In a small bowl, mix the Thai sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and fresh lime juice. Stir until combined. This sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken. Take a large mixing bowl and add the fried chicken bites. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Toss gently until the chicken is well coated. For a nice finish, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. This adds color and a little extra crunch. To get the best chicken bites, keep the oil hot. Aim for about 350°F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature. This step helps the chicken cook evenly and stay crispy. Avoid putting too many pieces in the pan at once. This can lower the oil's temperature. Fry in small batches for the best results. Add fresh lime juice to your sauce. It brightens the taste and makes it fresh. You can also spice up the cornstarch mix. Try adding paprika or cayenne for a kick. These bites go great with rice or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with extra sweet chili sauce on the side. It adds more flavor and makes for a fun dipping experience. Pro Tips Coat Well: Make sure to coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the cornstarch mixture. This will help create a crispy texture when frying. Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If it’s too hot, the chicken will burn; too cool, and it will absorb excess oil. Batch Frying: Fry the chicken in small batches to ensure even cooking and to keep the oil temperature stable throughout the frying process. Let It Rest: After frying, allow the chicken bites to rest for a couple of minutes before tossing them in the sauce. This helps maintain their crispiness. {{image_2}} You can easily change up the protein in this dish. If you want a vegetarian option, try using tofu. Cut firm tofu into cubes and coat them just like the chicken. For a seafood twist, use shrimp. Peel and devein them, then follow the same steps. Both options will absorb the sweet chili sauce well. To switch up the flavors, consider using a different sauce. A spicy sriracha sauce adds a nice kick. Mix it with your sweet chili sauce for a fiery glaze. Another option is teriyaki sauce. This sauce brings a sweet and savory taste that pairs well with the chicken. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free soy sauce. It gives the same great flavor without the gluten. For a healthier choice, try baking the chicken bites instead of frying them. Coat the chicken and place it on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. This way, you enjoy the same great taste with fewer calories. To keep your Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Bites fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. For the best taste, reheat your chicken bites in the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat on medium power for about one minute, but be aware they may lose some crispness. You can freeze fried chicken bites for up to three months. Make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. For thawing, move them to the fridge overnight. You can also use a microwave. Heat on defrost for a few minutes before reheating them in the oven for best results. To add heat, you can try a few options. First, add red pepper flakes to the cornstarch mix. A pinch can make a big difference. You could also mix in some sriracha sauce with the sweet chili sauce. Another way is to add sliced fresh chilies when you mix the sauce. Each method gives a nice kick, so pick what you like best! Yes, you can make these chicken bites in advance. To do this, fry the chicken and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can keep it there for up to two days. When ready to serve, just reheat them in the oven for added crispiness. This keeps them tasty and crunchy. These chicken bites pair well with many sides. Try serving them with jasmine rice or a fresh salad. Both options complement the flavors nicely. For drinks, a light beer or iced tea works great. You can also serve extra sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping. This adds even more flavor! In this post, I covered how to make Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Bites. You learned the key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips for getting it right. Remember, you can swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp if you want. Don’t be afraid to try new sauces or serving choices. These bites are a great snack or meal. Enjoy your cooking and make it your own!$

Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Bites

Crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Thai

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
0.5 cup cornstarch
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
as needed oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola)
0.5 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 pieces green onions, finely chopped
as needed sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss until they are evenly coated with the cornstarch mixture.
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F/175°C).
Carefully add the coated chicken cubes to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, flipping them halfway. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
In a small bowl, mix the Thai sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice together to create a flavorful glaze.
In a large mixing bowl, add the fried chicken bites and pour the sauce over them. Toss gently until all chicken pieces are well coated in the sauce.
Transfer the chicken bites to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.

Notes

Serve the chicken bites on a white platter to highlight the colors, and add lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness. Consider serving with a small bowl of extra sweet chili sauce for dipping!

Keyword appetizer, chicken, fried, sweet chili, Thai