Baked Sweet Chili Chicken Bites: A Sweet and Spicy Delight
If you’re craving a flavor-packed dish that’s both sweet and spicy, look no further than Baked Sweet Chili Chicken Bites. These tender chicken bites are coated in a sticky, homemade sweet chili sauce that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the recipe step-by-step, provide helpful cook notes, variations, and even offer keto and low-carb versions for those looking to cut back on carbs.
Ingredients:
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make these irresistible Baked Sweet Chili Chicken Bites:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
- Sesame seeds or green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Now, let’s get cooking:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Season the chicken with salt and set aside.
- Make Sweet Chili Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, honey, warm water, cornstarch, minced garlic, crushed red pepper, Sriracha sauce, and salt. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Cook Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
- Coat Chicken: Pour the sweet chili sauce over the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated.
- Bake Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish. Serve the Baked Sweet Chili Chicken Bites hot with cooked rice or noodles.
Cook Notes and Variations:
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize and perfect your Baked Sweet Chili Chicken Bites:
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of crushed red pepper or omit it altogether. Alternatively, if you like it extra spicy, increase the amount of Sriracha sauce to suit your taste.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add diced bell peppers, onions, or snap peas to the baking sheet alongside the chicken for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sweet chili sauce and coat the chicken pieces in advance. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here are some adjustments you can make to the recipe:
Keto Version:
- Replace Honey: Swap the honey for a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Be sure to adjust the amount to taste, as these sweeteners are often much sweeter than honey.
- Serve with Cauliflower Rice: Instead of serving the chicken bites with traditional rice or noodles, opt for cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduce Honey: To lower the carb content of the dish, reduce the amount of honey in the sweet chili sauce or replace it with a low-carb sweetener.
- Skip Noodles: Serve the Baked Sweet Chili Chicken Bites on their own or with a side of steamed vegetables for a low-carb meal option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Let’s address some common questions that may arise when making Baked Sweet Chili Chicken Bites:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may require slightly longer to cook through.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in place of the traditional soy sauce.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Baked Sweet Chili Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
Baked Sweet Chili Chicken Bites are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their irresistible combination of sweet and spicy flavors, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, weeknight dinner, or meal prep option, these chicken bites are bound to impress. So give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade sweet chili chicken!
