Sweet Chili Sauce Chicken

This Sweet Chili Sauce Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week. Made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, this dish features a creamy, savory sauce made from sweet chili sauce, tomato paste, and cream cheese, with the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The addition of mini sweet peppers and a dash of garlic olive oil adds depth and richness to the sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick chicken recipe, a gluten-free chicken dinner, or a comforting dish with bold flavors, this Sweet Chili Chicken recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (Springer Mountain Farms recommended)
• 1 ½ tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 ½ tablespoons sweet paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ tablespoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon garlic olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 5 tablespoons gluten-free sweet chili sauce
• 4 mini sweet red peppers, diced
• ¾ cup beef broth
• ¾ cup water
• 5 oz cream cheese

Optional for Thickening the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons cold water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions:

1. Wash the chicken thighs and pat them dry. Slice the chicken into small, even cubes.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with the garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and oregano until evenly coated.
3. Heat the garlic olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook for 2 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
4. Add the diced sweet red peppers to the pan and cook for another 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and sweet chili sauce, then cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
6. Add the beef broth, water, and cream cheese. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce begins to thicken.
7. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cold water and cornstarch to form a slurry. Add it to the skillet and cook until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet Chili Sauce Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. The tender chicken thighs are coated in a creamy, rich sauce made from sweet chili sauce, tomato paste, and cream cheese, making it a comforting and satisfying dish. Quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With gluten-free ingredients, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for those with dietary restrictions.

Tips

• Even Chicken Pieces: Try to cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Low and Slow: Once the cream cheese is added, lower the heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Stir often to keep it creamy.
• Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, the cornstarch slurry will help, but you can also simmer the sauce a bit longer to naturally reduce and thicken it.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Kick: If you prefer more heat, add a splash of hot sauce or a few slices of fresh chili peppers when adding the sweet peppers.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream for a non-dairy version of this dish.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
  Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breast. However, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
• What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
  If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can make your own by combining chili garlic sauce with honey or sugar to balance the heat and sweetness.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove with a splash of water or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

Serving

Serve this Sweet Chili Sauce Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. It also pairs beautifully with sautéed vegetables or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Suggestions

• For an extra touch, garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added brightness.
• Serve with a side of crispy roasted potatoes or noodles for a comforting meal that will satisfy your taste buds.