Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken & Rice – Easy Family Dinner Recipe

Few meals feel as comforting and reliable as a warm bowl of chicken and rice. It’s a combination found in kitchens all around the world, loved for its simplicity, nourishment, and ability to please even the pickiest eaters. This Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken & Rice recipe takes that familiar comfort and gives it a bold, flavorful upgrade—without making things complicated. 😊

The magic of this dish lies in the balance. The chicken is tender and juicy, coated in a glossy sweet chili sauce that brings together sweetness, gentle heat, and a savory depth that clings beautifully to every bite. When spooned over fluffy rice, the sauce soaks in just enough to make each mouthful deeply satisfying, yet not heavy. It’s the kind of meal that feels exciting but still safe and family-friendly.

This recipe is especially perfect for busy weeknights. It comes together quickly, uses everyday pantry ingredients, and cooks mostly in one pan. That means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner together. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something cozy with a little zing, this dish delivers every time. 🍽️❤️

So grab your skillet, start the rice, and let’s make a dinner that’s sticky in the best way possible—comforting, flavorful, and made to be shared.

🧄 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil

For the Sticky Sweet Chili Sauce:

• ½ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional but lovely)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice

For Serving:

• 3 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Steamed broccoli or snap peas (optional, for balance 🥦)

🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. This step helps create that irresistible sticky glaze later on.
2. Cook the Chicken
   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
   Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
4. Simmer the Glaze
   Stir in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Combine & Coat
   Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sticky sauce. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the glaze clings beautifully to the chicken.
6. Serve
   Spoon the sticky sweet chili chicken over warm rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Add steamed veggies on the side if desired.

🥗 Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~460 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

This meal offers a satisfying balance of protein, carbohydrates, and flavor—perfect for growing kids and hungry adults alike.

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️