Flavorful Grilled Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

The Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst is an irresistible marriage of sweet, tangy, and savory—with juicy grilled chicken that soaks up every drop of zesty marinade. If you love vibrant flavors that delight your senses and brighten up your dinner table, this is the dish you’ve been searching for!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Big, Bold Flavors: Sweet chili sauce, lime, ginger, and garlic create a Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst in every bite.
  • Ultra Juicy Chicken: Marinating ensures every piece stays tender, moist, and packed with tangy goodness.
  • Quick Grill Magic: The recipe is fuss-free, with minimal prep time and only minutes on the grill—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy summer evenings.
  • Perfect for Sharing: It’s crowd-pleasing and easily scalable for backyard parties, family meals, or get-togethers—guaranteed to wow your guests!
Flavorful Grilled Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simple ingredient list fool you—each one is vital to creating the Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst. These fresh and pantry staples all work together to build layers of taste, juicy texture, and a pop of color on your plate.

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Go for even-sized pieces so each one grills up moist and perfectly cooked every time.
  • Sweet chili sauce: The soul of this dish—provides that luscious sweet heat and a glossy, craveable finish.
  • Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds savory depth and umami while keeping the saltiness in check.
  • Apple cider vinegar: This brings a tangy brightness that balances the sauce and tenderizes the chicken.
  • Corn oil: Keeps everything succulent and helps with those beautiful grill marks—feel free to swap for another neutral oil if you like.
  • Lime juice: For a zesty citrus kick that lifts all the other flavors.
  • Fresh garlic (minced): Don’t skip it—this punches up the aroma and taste.
  • Fresh ginger (minced): Adds warm spice and depth that shines alongside the chili sauce.
  • Salt and black pepper: Just a little to season—taste and adjust as you go for best results.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst is endlessly customizable, so feel free to put your own spin on it! Whether you’re working with what’s in your pantry or need to tweak for dietary needs, there’s a way to make this dish uniquely yours.

  • Swap in boneless thighs: Prefer dark meat? Thighs work beautifully here for extra juiciness and slightly richer flavor.
  • Make it vegetarian: Use thick slices of tofu or cauliflower “steaks”—the marinade is just as fabulous!
  • Go gluten-free: Choose tamari in place of soy sauce so everyone can enjoy the Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst.
  • Add a spicy kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a swirl of sriracha to the marinade if you love more heat.

How to Make Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst

Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade

In a large zip-style bag, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, corn oil, lime juice, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Give it a good squish with your hands from the outside of the bag until everything is blended into an aromatic, tangy-sweet mixture.

Step 2: Flatten the Chicken for Even Cooking

Lay each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap (or in a clean plastic bag) and gently pound them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. This makes the chicken an even thickness, so it cooks evenly and stays juicy from edge to edge.

Step 3: Marinate and Chill

Slip your flattened chicken into the zip bag of marinade. Seal it up tight and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—though if you have time, an overnight soak is phenomenal for letting those bold flavors seep into every bite.

Step 4: Prep the Grill

Get your grill sizzling hot! For a gas grill, preheat to medium-high. Charcoal grill? Pile those briquettes in the center, light them, and let the flames calm down before spreading the coals for even heat—your kitchen (or backyard) will soon smell incredible.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place the marinated chicken on the grill grates. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping with tongs. Pour over any remaining marinade for a saucier result, and don’t remove from the heat until the chicken reaches that juicy, safe 165°F mark.

Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before you slice it. This seals in the juices and gives you that perfect Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst in every forkful. Plate it up, pile on your favorite veggies, and dig in!

Pro Tips for Making Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst

  • Ultimate Marinade Penetration: Score the surface of the chicken lightly with a knife before marinating—this helps every drop soak in for more flavor with every bite.
  • Trust Your Thermometer: Grilling time depends on thickness—use an instant-read thermometer for foolproof, succulent chicken every single time.
  • Rest for Juiciness: Letting the chicken rest before slicing is non-negotiable—it keeps all those marvelous juices (and flavor!) sealed inside for the perfect Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst experience.
  • Double Down on Sauce: Save a little marinade (before adding raw chicken) to drizzle on top after grilling for an extra hit of brightness and zing.

How to Serve Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst

Flavorful Grilled Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Sprinkle on a shower of fresh cilantro or scallions to add a pop of green and herbaceous freshness. Sesame seeds or thinly sliced red chilis also make the Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst absolutely gorgeous and restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This chicken shines next to fluffy jasmine rice, garlicky sautéed green beans, stir-fried veggies, or even a chilled noodle salad. For a lighter meal, try pairing with crunchy, colorful slaw or crisp lettuce wraps—the sweet chili flavors really make veggies pop.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken and pile it into lettuce cups for party bites, or skewer it before grilling for appetizer-friendly Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst skewers. Try serving sliced over a vibrant grain bowl with lots of veggies for a showstopping dinner—they’ll be talking about your presentation for days!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Slice it before storing to make easy work of lunches or quick toss-ins for salads and wraps.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Let the cooked chicken cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best flavor and texture whenever that sweet chili craving strikes again.

Reheating

For juicy reheated chicken, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra sweet chili sauce. Microwave works in a pinch, but keep it short and low so the chicken doesn’t dry out—just until heated through.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst without a grill?

    Absolutely! You can cook the marinated chicken in a grill pan on your stovetop or bake it on a lined sheet pan at 400°F until it’s cooked through. You’ll still get plenty of sticky-sweet flavor, even without the grill marks.

  2. How long should I marinate the chicken for the best Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst?

    Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you can swing it, overnight will make the flavors even more intense and delicious. Just don’t go beyond 24 hours or the acids may start to make the chicken mushy.

  3. Can I use store-bought sweet chili sauce for this recipe?

    Most definitely! Store-bought sweet chili sauce works perfectly and saves time. If you’d like to make your own, that’s a fun way to put your personal spin on the Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst too.

  4. Is this chicken recipe very spicy?

    The dish has a gentle sweet heat that most kids and spice-shy eaters will love. If you want more fire, add some extra fresh chili, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to turn up the Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst heat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something quick, vibrant, and honestly addictive, you can’t go wrong with the Flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Burst. It’s a true weeknight hero—bursting with flavor, totally stress-free, and guaranteed to become a staple at your table. Give it a try and let those bold, sweet, and tangy bites light up your next meal!

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Flavorful Grilled Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Flavorful Grilled Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 143 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, creating a delightful dish that is sure to impress. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a flavorful blend of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and aromatic seasonings, then grilled to juicy perfection. Serve this delicious chicken with your favorite seasonal vegetables for a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade

  • 23 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons corn oil
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade

    In a large zip-style bag, combine all marinade ingredients.

  2. Flatten the Chicken

    Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and flatten slightly using a meat tenderizer.

  3. Marinate Chicken

    Place flattened chicken in marinade, refrigerate for 2-24 hours.

  4. Preheat Grill

    Preheat gas grill to medium-high heat or prepare charcoal grill.

  5. Grill Chicken

    Grill chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, basting with marinade until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

  6. Rest and Serve

    Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with vegetables.



Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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