Sweet Chili Garlic Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish) For this dish, you need simple, fresh ingredients. I love how they blend to create a tasty meal. The chicken is the star, and its flavor shines. The sweet chili sauce adds a unique sweetness. Garlic gives it a nice kick, while soy sauce brings depth. Honey adds a touch of natural sweetness. Ginger gives a hint of spice that makes this dish pop. I always use fresh ingredients. They make a huge difference in taste. The sesame seeds and green onions are for garnish. They not only look pretty but also add more flavor. These ingredients are easy to find. You can get them at any grocery store. With these items, you’ll make a dish that impresses everyone. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients for the marinade. In a bowl, mix together: - 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated Stir these well until they blend. Next, take the chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable bag or dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Then, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. If you want more flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade. Let the excess drip off, and season the chicken with salt and pepper. When the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Sear each breast for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden-brown crust. Once seared, pour the remaining marinade over the chicken in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). When it's done, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. For the final touch, serve the chicken on a plate. Drizzle it with any leftover sauce from the skillet. Garnish with: - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 2 green onions, finely chopped These add a pop of color and flavor. Your Sweet Chili Garlic Chicken is now ready to enjoy! For Sweet Chili Garlic Chicken, marinating the chicken is key. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. However, if you have time, go for 2 hours. This extra time helps the flavors soak in deeply. Seasoning is also crucial. Use salt and pepper to enhance the dish. It balances the sweet and spicy notes of the sauce. Don't skip this step for a tasty meal. You can choose between searing and baking the chicken. Searing gives it a nice crust. I like to sear the chicken first in a hot skillet. Then, I bake it to finish cooking. This method locks in the juices and keeps the chicken moist. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the chicken. Thicker pieces need more time. Always check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. What can you serve with Sweet Chili Garlic Chicken? Rice is a great choice. It soaks up the sauce well. You can also try steamed veggies for a healthy side. When it comes to drinks, a light white wine or iced tea pairs nicely. Both complement the flavors without overpowering them. Enjoy your meal with these simple and tasty options! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best taste, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add extra spices or ingredients like red pepper flakes for a spicier kick or lime juice for a zesty twist in the marinade. Let It Rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and keeps the chicken tender. {{image_2}} You can change ingredients to fit your taste. If you want a different sauce, try teriyaki or hoisin. They add sweet and savory notes. For sweeteners, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar. These substitutes work well and keep the dish delicious. If you have dietary needs, swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos are a great choice. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt. Grilling gives a smoky flavor to the chicken. You can marinate it as usual, then cook it on a grill. This method adds char and depth. Baking in the oven is simple and effective. It keeps the chicken juicy and tender. You can also use an Instant Pot for quick cooking. Set it to high pressure for about 10 minutes. A slow cooker is another option. It will take longer but makes the chicken very tender. Cook it on low for 4 to 6 hours for the best results. To make the dish more exciting, add spices like cayenne or paprika. These spices bring heat and flavor. You can also toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for brightness. Adding vegetables can make this meal more colorful and healthy. Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli work great. Sauté them in the skillet before adding the chicken. This way, they soak up all the tasty juices. To store leftovers safely, wait for the chicken to cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. They work best for storing food. To reheat chicken, use the oven or microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes. This keeps the chicken from drying out. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check the temperature often. To freeze Sweet Chili Garlic Chicken, let it cool first. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place wrapped chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. To thaw, move the chicken to the fridge overnight. This ensures even thawing and keeps it juicy. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in well. For better taste, aim for 2 hours. The longer you marinate, the richer the flavor will be. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it first. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge. If you're in a rush, use the microwave. Once thawed, follow the marinating steps as usual. Sweet Chili Garlic Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some popular options: - Steamed rice - Roasted vegetables - Stir-fried noodles - Fresh salad - Mashed potatoes These sides will help round out your meal and enhance the chicken's flavors. In this article, I shared a simple way to make Sweet Chili Garlic Chicken. You learned the essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking tips, and even serving ideas. I also covered variations and storage methods to keep your meal fresh. Remember, marinating enhances flavor, and you can adjust the recipe for your needs. This dish is versatile and tasty, perfect for any meal. Enjoy cooking and impress your guests with this easy recipe!$

A flavorful chicken dish marinated in sweet chili sauce, garlic, and ginger, then baked to perfection.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1.33 cup sweet chili sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 pieces green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger. Mix well.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and season with salt and pepper.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken in the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve the chicken garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Drizzle with any remaining sauce from the skillet.

Notes

For more flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.

Keyword baked, chicken, garlic, sweet chili