Sweet chili chicken fried rice is a fast skillet dinner of golden chicken, scrambled egg, colorful vegetables, and day old rice tossed in a sticky, mildly spicy sweet chili sauce.
It cooks in one pan in about thirty minutes and serves four, which makes it a smart way to turn leftover rice into a full meal. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions finishes each bowl.
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Why This Sweet Chili Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Works
Cold rice fries up with separate, slightly crisp grains, while fresh rice turns sticky, so leftovers from the refrigerator are actually an advantage here.
Sweet chili sauce supplies sugar, garlic, and gentle heat in one bottle, so the seasoning takes seconds and coats every grain evenly.
Chicken, egg, and vegetables cook in stages in the same skillet, so the dish has protein, color, and texture without any extra pans.
Ingredients for Sweet Chili Chicken Fried Rice
- You need twenty four ounces of boneless chicken breast cut into small cubes, two tablespoons of vegetable oil, three cups of cooked cold rice, half a cup of sweet chili sauce, two cloves of minced garlic, and one cup of mixed vegetables.
- You also need two beaten eggs, two chopped green onions, half a teaspoon of salt, a quarter teaspoon of pepper, and one teaspoon of sesame seeds. Frozen peas and carrots work well and need no chopping.
Chicken breast. Small cubes sear fast and stay tender while the sauce clings to the browned edges.
Cold cooked rice. Dry, chilled grains fry instead of steaming, which gives the dish its classic texture.
Sweet chili sauce. It adds sweetness, garlic, and mild heat in a single spoonful.
Eggs. Scrambled right in the pan, they add richness and bind the rice with soft curds.
Mixed vegetables. Peas, carrots, and peppers add color, sweetness, and a little crunch.
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Fried Rice
1. Brown the chicken. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat, season the chicken with the salt and pepper, and cook for six to eight minutes until golden and 165 F.
2. Add the vegetables. Stir in the garlic and mixed vegetables and cook for three minutes until tender.
3. Scramble the eggs. Push everything to one side, pour the eggs into the empty space, and scramble until fully cooked, then stir them into the chicken.
4. Add rice and sauce. Add the rice and sweet chili sauce and stir for three to four minutes until the rice is hot and evenly coated.
5. Garnish and serve. Top with green onions and sesame seeds and serve right away.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Chicken Fried Rice
Serve the fried rice straight from the skillet with extra sweet chili sauce on the side. For a bigger spread add a pineapple chicken rice skillet or a teriyaki chicken rice casserole as another rice dinner. A cool side of creamy slaw balances the heat, and a broccoli chicken rice bake makes a good next day meal.
How to Store and Reheat Sweet Chili Chicken Fried Rice
Cool the rice within one hour, because cooked rice can grow bacteria quickly, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until steaming and 165 F. Freeze portions for up to one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Tips and Variations for Sweet Chili Chicken Fried Rice
Flag the allergens. This dish contains egg, sesame, and often soy and wheat in the sauce, so check the label.
Handle raw chicken. Wash your hands, board, and knife after touching raw chicken, and never taste the dish before the chicken is cooked.
Check the temperature. Chicken is safe at 165 F, so test the largest cube.
Use cold rice. Spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and chill it quickly if you do not have leftovers.
Keep the heat high. Medium high heat gives the rice a lightly toasted flavor and keeps it from steaming.
Cool the rice safely. Never leave cooked rice at room temperature for more than two hours.
Adjust the heat. Add a spoonful of chili garlic sauce for more spice or a squeeze of lime to brighten it.
Check trusted guidance. Read the Purdue Extension guide to storing leftovers for safe rice handling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Chili Chicken Fried Rice
What Is Sweet Chili Chicken Fried Rice?
It is a skillet fried rice with chicken, egg, vegetables, and a sweet, mildly spicy chili sauce.
Can I Make Sweet Chili Chicken Fried Rice With Fresh Rice?
Yes, but spread the rice on a tray and chill it for thirty minutes first so it does not turn mushy.
How Spicy Is Sweet Chili Chicken Fried Rice?
It is mild and sweet, and you can add chili flakes or hot sauce for more heat.
Can I use shrimp?
Yes, use twenty four ounces of peeled shrimp and cook them just until pink.
Can I skip the egg?
Yes, leave it out and add a little more vegetables.
Sweet Chili Chicken Fried Rice
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Instant read thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 24 oz boneless skinless chicken breast cut in small cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cup cooked cold rice day old
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables peas, carrots, and peppers
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 green onions chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
Cooking
- Brown. Cook the seasoned chicken in oil until golden and 165 F.
- Add. Stir in the garlic and vegetables for 3 minutes.
- Scramble. Cook the eggs in the pan and stir them in.
- Toss. Add the rice and sweet chili sauce and cook until hot.
- Serve. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
