When it comes to quick weeknight dinners that don’t sacrifice flavor, this Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken is a true winner. Bursting with the bold, vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory depth in every bite. Tender chicken is stir-fried with garlic and ginger, tossed with crisp vegetables, and coated in a glossy sauce made from soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and just the right amount of red pepper flakes. The finishing touch? Fresh basil leaves that add a fragrant and slightly peppery note, making the dish irresistible.
If you’ve ever wanted to recreate a takeout-style Thai dish at home, this is the recipe to try. It’s quick to prepare, requires simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and comes together in less than 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings.
🛒 Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice level)
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh basil leaves (Thai basil if available)
Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then set aside. - Cook the aromatics
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until they release their aroma. - Add the chicken
Toss in the chicken pieces. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until they’re browned on the outside and almost cooked through. - Add vegetables
Stir in the sliced bell pepper and onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly but still retain a crisp bite. - Coat with sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together and let it simmer for about 3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens. - Finish with basil
Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves. Their flavor will bloom in the residual heat without losing freshness. - Serve
Spoon the chicken and sauce over warm jasmine rice and serve immediately.
🌟 Recipe Tips & Variations
Authentic touch: If you can find it, use Thai basil. Its slightly spicy, licorice-like flavor adds authenticity to the dish.
Change up the protein: This recipe works beautifully with shrimp, beef strips, or even crispy tofu.
More veggies, more color: Try adding broccoli, carrots, zucchini, or snap peas for extra texture and nutrition.
Adjusting spice levels: Not a fan of heat? Start with ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Love it fiery? Add more or throw in a couple of sliced Thai chilies.
Meal prep friendly: Cook a large batch and portion it with rice for a week’s worth of flavorful lunches.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This dish shines on its own over jasmine rice, but you can take it to the next level with simple sides:
A crisp Thai cucumber salad with lime and mint for freshness.
Spring rolls or dumplings as appetizers.
A glass of Thai iced tea or coconut water to balance the spice.
🥡 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: The chicken and sauce (without rice) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
🔥 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy: Done in 30 minutes or less.
Flexible: Works with chicken, shrimp, beef, or vegetarian options.
Balanced flavors: Sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory in perfect harmony.
Better than takeout: Fresher, healthier, and tailored to your taste.
🧮 Nutrition (per serving, without rice)
Calories: ~310 kcal
Protein: 27 g
Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 14 g
With its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation, this Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s the kind of recipe that never disappoints. 🌿🍗
