This Sweet & Spicy Chili Chicken combines bold flavors with a rich tomato-based sauce, tender chicken, and a touch of heat.
Some dishes have a way of waking up your taste buds and leaving you craving more. Sweet & Spicy Chili Chicken is exactly that. It’s bold, rich, and perfectly balances sweetness, heat, and umami.
With the first bite, you’ll notice the deep tomato base followed by a gentle kick from chili flakes and a bright citrusy zing from lime. Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, soft egg ribbons blend into the sauce, creating a silky texture that coats every tender piece of chicken.
Best of all, it’s quick to make and incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it with Roti Prata, naan, or a bowl of steaming jasmine rice, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites!
Why You’ll Love Sweet & Spicy Chili Chicken
- Incredible Flavor Fusion – The perfect mix of heat, tang, and sweetness.
- Ready in 30 Minutes – Quick, easy, and no complicated techniques.
- Perfect for Pairing – Enjoy it with Roti Prata, naan, or rice.
- Customizable Heat – Make it mild or turn up the spice!
Did you know?
This dish takes inspiration from Ayam Cili, a Malaysian-style spicy tomato chicken. Many street food vendors serve it with flatbreads or rice for a filling and flavorful meal!
The Magic Behind the Sauce
What makes this dish so addictive? It’s all in the sauce! Every ingredient plays a role in building depth and balance:
- Chili Flakes & Sweet Chili Sauce – Heat meets a touch of sweetness, making every bite exciting.
- Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Paste – A deep, rich tomato base that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Palm Sugar (or Brown Sugar) – Brings a subtle caramelized sweetness.
- Lime Juice & Zest – The fresh acidity cuts through the richness for a perfect balance.
- Beaten Eggs – Swirled into the sauce, creating silky ribbons that blend beautifully.
How to Serve It
Sweet & Spicy Chili Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it:
- Traditional Style – Serve it over steamed jasmine rice to soak up all the rich flavors.
- With Flatbread – Tear off pieces of Roti Prata or naan and dip them into the sauce.
- Lighter Option – Serve it with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh cucumber salad for contrast.
Want it extra spicy? Add fresh sliced chilies or a spoonful of Sambal Oelek on top!
How to Adjust the Spice Level
Not everyone enjoys the same level of heat. Thankfully, this dish is easy to customize:
- Mild: Reduce or skip the chili flakes and use just a small amount of sweet chili sauce.
- Medium: Stick to the recipe as written. The balance of chili and sugar keeps it flavorful without being overwhelming.
- Spicy: Add fresh chopped chilies, extra chili flakes, or a drizzle of hot chili oil for a fiery kick!
Fun fact: Many Southeast Asian dishes balance sweet, spicy, sour, and salty flavors to create harmony in every bite. This dish is a perfect example of that!
What to Drink with Sweet & Spicy Chili Chicken?
Pairing the right drink with a bold dish like this can take your meal to another level. Here are some refreshing options:
- Mango Lassi – The cool, creamy yogurt helps balance out the spice.
- Iced Lime Tea – A citrusy drink that complements the lime in the dish.
- Light Beer – Something crisp like a pilsner or wheat beer pairs beautifully.
Try this: If you want a non-alcoholic option, mix fresh lime juice, honey, and sparkling water for a refreshing drink!
Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Spicy Chicken Dish
If you love bold, vibrant flavors, this Sweet & Spicy Chili Chicken is a must-try. It’s easy, quick, and packed with the perfect balance of heat, tang, and sweetness.
Pair it with Roti Prata, naan, or rice, and you’ve got an unforgettable meal. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it!
Tried this recipe? Tag @FoodieRoam on Instagram so we can see your creation!
Ingredients
Servings4 servings
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 tbsp grated garlic
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 ½ cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
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Prep time10 minutes
Cook time20 minutes
Total time30 minutes
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the grated garlic and ginger, then sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chili flakes and five-spice powder, stirring for another 30 seconds to release their aroma.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces to the pan. Sear for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Pour in the fish sauce, mix well, and let it cook for another 30 seconds to enhance the umami flavor.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, lime zest, palm sugar, cornstarch, and water. Pour the mixture into the pan, stirring well to coat the chicken. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop deep flavors.
- Slowly drizzle the lightly beaten eggs into the pan while gently stirring to create soft, delicate egg ribbons. Let it cook for another 2 minutes until the eggs are set. Stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving to add freshness.
- Serve hot with Roti Prata or steamed rice. Garnish with extra lime wedges and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
Our notes
Adjusting Spice Levels – Reduce or increase the chili flakes based on your heat preference.
Egg Ribbons Technique – Pour the beaten eggs slowly while stirring gently for soft, delicate strands.
Sauce Thickness – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water; if too thin, let it simmer longer.
Balancing Flavors – The lime juice adds brightness, so adjust it to taste before serving.