Sweet Chili Chicken with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor and vibrant colors, then the Sweet Chili Chicken with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe is exactly what you need in your weeknight dinner lineup. This recipe brings together tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and mildly spicy chili sauce, paired perfectly with crunchy broccoli and crisp bell peppers. Not only does it look inviting on the plate, but the mix of textures and the balance of savory and sweet make every bite utterly addictive. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is just as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to whipping up this colorful and flavorful dish. Each item is essential for building the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and appearance that makes the Sweet Chili Chicken with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe so unforgettable.
- Chicken breast (1 pound): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy bites.
- Sweet chili sauce (1/2 cup): Provides that signature sweet-spicy glaze that ties everything together.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a savory depth and a little salty punch to balance sweetness.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps create a velvety sauce that clings to the chicken and veggies.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the chicken and vegetables to a tender-crisp finish.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Brings an aromatic warmth that complements the sauce beautifully.
- Minced ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle zing and freshness to brighten the dish.
- Bell pepper (1, sliced): Provides a crunchy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Broccoli florets (1 cup): Adds a satisfying bite and nutritional boost.
- Sesame seeds: For a toasty crunch and a pretty finishing touch.
- Green onions (sliced): Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor as a garnish.
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a medium bowl until smooth. Toss in your chicken pieces and mix until every bite is fully coated in that glossy, flavorful marinade. Let it rest for about 15 minutes. This simple step is key to infusing the chicken with that bold sweet and savory flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook it until golden brown on all sides, about 7 to 10 minutes. You’ll want the chicken cooked through while keeping it juicy and tender. Once done, transfer it to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté Your Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for just 30 seconds until fragrant — this awakens the senses and primes your taste buds. Next, add the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the vegetables soften slightly but retain their crispness and brilliant color, lending a satisfying crunch to the dish.
Step 4: Combine Everything and Finish Cooking
Return the cooked chicken to your skillet of veggies. Pour in any remaining marinade to create a luscious sauce that coats your entire dish. Cook everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the chicken and vegetables are perfectly glazed. This final step melds all the flavors and heats the dish through just right.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions adds an enticing texture and visual pop to the dish. These little touches bring a subtle nuttiness and a fresh bite that elevates every mouthful into an experience worth savoring.
Side Dishes
The Sweet Chili Chicken with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe shines best served over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy noodles, which soak up all that delicious sauce. If you want to keep it light, cauliflower rice or a simple green salad pairs beautifully and rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve this vibrant dish family-style in a large, colorful platter garnished with extra green onions and sesame seeds. Or get creative with lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld option that guests can customize with extra chili sauce or crunchy peanuts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Sweet Chili Chicken with Broccoli and Bell Peppers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect quick lunch or dinner option for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish well in advance, it’s freezer-friendly! Just cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken tender and the vegetables crisp, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken tough and the veggies soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Sweet Chili Chicken with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or baby corn. The key is to keep the veggies crisp for the best texture contrast with the tender chicken.
Is this dish spicy?
The sweet chili sauce used in this recipe offers a mild heat with a nice balance of sweetness. If you want more spice, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or some fresh sliced chili for an extra kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and verify the sweet chili sauce is gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so no worries there.
What can I substitute for chicken breast?
Chicken thighs can be a juicier alternative and work beautifully in this recipe. For a vegetarian twist, try firm tofu or tempeh, making sure to marinate and cook them just as you would the chicken.
How long does it take to make the Sweet Chili Chicken with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe?
This recipe is designed to come together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and quick without sacrificing taste or quality.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give the Sweet Chili Chicken with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe a try soon because it’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress. It’s flavorful, colorful, and wonderfully easy to make — plus, it gets rave reviews every time I serve it. Whether you’re feeding yourself or a hungry crowd, this recipe is a delightful way to bring a touch of excitement to your dinner table.
Print
Sweet Chili Chicken with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe features tender bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in a flavorful blend of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch, then sautéed to perfection with garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and broccoli. Finished with a delicious glaze and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s a quick and vibrant stir-fry perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and toss well to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken pieces in an even layer and sauté, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets, stir-frying for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still vibrant and crisp.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in any remaining marinade and cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly so the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and veggies. Ensure everything is heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the sweet chili chicken and vegetables to plates. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Serve hot over rice or noodles for a fulfilling meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili when cooking garlic and ginger.
- You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Adjust the soy sauce quantity to control the saltiness according to your taste.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles.
- Make sure not to overcook the vegetables to retain their crunch and vibrant color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
