Pin Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Thailand with this incredible Thai Sweet Chili Chicken. This dish perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in a glossy sauce that clings to each tender piece of chicken. Made easily in your pressure cooker, this weeknight wonder transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in under an hour.
Pin The magic of this Thai Sweet Chili Chicken happens when the marinade transforms into a rich, sticky sauce that coats every bite with complex flavor. The pressure cooker ensures the chicken stays incredibly tender while infusing it with the aromatic blend of sweet chili, honey, and lime. A finishing touch of fresh green onions and lime wedges adds brightness that makes this dish truly irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 limes, juiced
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 chicken breasts, halved into 4 cutlets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other neutral cooking oil)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos), honey, lime juice, and ground ginger until smooth.
- Marinate the chicken
- Place chicken cutlets in a sealable bag or shallow dish. Pour in half of the marinade. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Sear the chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (discard used marinade) and sear 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and almost cooked through.
- Add fresh sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour the remaining fresh marinade over the chicken in the skillet. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and coat the chicken.
- Pressure cook
- Transfer the chicken and thickened sauce to the pressure cooker. Secure the lid, set to poultry mode (or manual/high pressure) for 10 minutes.
- Release pressure
- Once cooking is complete, quick release the pressure, or let it naturally release for a few minutes for juicier chicken.
- Serve
- Serve chicken with sauce, garnished with sliced green onion and lime wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For maximum flavor, don't rush the marinating step. Even 30 minutes makes a difference, but if you can plan ahead, let the chicken soak up those delicious flavors for the full 2 hours. The pressure cooker tenderizes the meat beautifully, but the initial sear is what builds those complex flavor notes that make this dish special.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This versatile recipe works wonderfully with chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat—just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For those who enjoy extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. If you're managing dietary restrictions, the sauce works perfectly with tamari or coconut aminos in place of traditional soy sauce for a gluten-free version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
Serviervorschläge
Transform this Thai Sweet Chili Chicken into a complete meal by serving it over fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, pair with cauliflower rice or a side of steamed vegetables. The bright flavors also complement rice noodles beautifully. Don't forget a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten all the flavors.
Pin This Thai Sweet Chili Chicken brings the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. The pressure cooker method ensures juicy, tender chicken every time, while the vibrant sauce creates a dish that feels special enough for weekend entertaining but simple enough for weeknight cooking. Enjoy the harmonious blend of Thai-inspired flavors in every delicious bite!
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep the dish gluten-free while maintaining its savory depth.
- → What’s the best way to enhance the flavor overnight?
Marinating the chicken for up to 2 hours or overnight allows the sweet chili, honey, and lime flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
- → How do I add more heat to the sauce?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or sauce for an extra spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- → What sides pair well with this tangy chicken?
Jasmine rice, steamed rice, or noodles complement the dish by absorbing the sweet and tangy sauce beautifully.