If you’re ready to take your backyard barbecue to the next level, Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken is about to become your new go-to recipe. This dish is a celebration of bright, sticky-sweet glaze, smoky char, and tender, juicy chicken that’s hard to resist. The magic is in that Asian-inspired marinade, which infuses every bite with layers of flavor, while the grill brings it all together with irresistible caramelization. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and color. Each component adds its own special touch, from the sticky-sweet glaze to the aromatic ginger and garlic, ensuring this meal is anything but ordinary.
- Chicken breasts (or thighs): Choose boneless, skinless pieces for quick grilling and juicy results every time.
- Sweet chili sauce: This is the star of the glaze, lending both sweetness and gentle heat for that signature flavor.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth, umami, and a salty punch that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity brightens the whole marinade and keeps flavors lively.
- Honey: Helps the glaze caramelize on the grill and adds a lovely glossy sheen.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings bold, aromatic notes to every bite.
- Fresh ginger (or ground): A bit of ginger gives the glaze a warm, zesty kick that’s essential for balance.
- Salt and black pepper: Fine-tunes the seasoning and lets all the other flavors shine through.
- Optional garnish – green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges: These finishing touches add freshness, crunch, and a pop of color to your Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken.
How to Make Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This fragrant mixture will serve as both your marinade and your glaze, so get everything well combined. Don’t forget to set aside about 1/4 cup of the marinade in a separate bowl—this will be your secret weapon for basting on the grill later, ensuring every piece of chicken is glossy and packed with flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts or thighs in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish, then pour the remaining marinade over them. Seal it up and make sure each piece gets coated in that luscious sauce. Pop the chicken into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes; if you have extra time, marinating for up to 8 hours will make the flavors even more intense and delicious.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Grill
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and lay the pieces out on a plate. Give them a light sprinkle of salt and pepper for that final touch of seasoning. The grill should be nice and hot so you get beautiful grill marks and the perfect char.
Step 4: Grill and Glaze
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. As the chicken cooks, brush it occasionally with the reserved sweet chili glaze you set aside earlier. This not only builds up that irresistible sticky coating but also keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), so grab your meat thermometer for best results.
Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes—this helps all those lovely juices redistribute. Right before serving, sprinkle with sliced green onions, a scattering of sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice if you like. Your Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken is now ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken

Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can let your creativity shine. A sprinkle of fresh green onions offers a crisp, oniony bite, while toasted sesame seeds add texture and a subtle nuttiness. For a burst of brightness, serve with lime wedges on the side—just a quick squeeze can really wake up all the flavors in your Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken.
Side Dishes
This chicken absolutely loves good company! Serve it over a bed of jasmine rice to soak up all that sticky glaze, or pair with simple stir-fried veggies for a fresh crunch. Noodles, Asian slaw, or even a cool cucumber salad make wonderful pairings that highlight the bold flavors of the Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, try slicing the chicken and arranging it over a colorful salad, or chop it into bite-sized pieces and skewer with fresh veggies for party-ready kabobs. You can also tuck slices into lettuce wraps with a drizzle of extra glaze for a fun, hands-on meal that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken stores beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Simply let the chicken cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to four days, and the flavors often deepen overnight!
Freezing
If you want to save some for a rainy day, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It’s best enjoyed within two months for maximum flavor and texture—just remember to label your container with the date!
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator if needed, then warm gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat. For best results, brush with a little extra sweet chili sauce before reheating to keep the glaze shiny and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and flavorful, and they hold up really well on the grill. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a little longer than breasts to cook through.
Is Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken gluten-free?
It can be! To make this dish gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Always double-check your sweet chili sauce label to make sure it’s gluten-free as well.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have a grill, bake the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, basting with the glaze halfway through. You’ll still get plenty of flavor and a sticky finish.
What if I want the chicken spicier?
If you crave more heat, stir a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinade. You can also serve extra chili sauce on the side for those who like things fiery!
Can I use the marinade for other proteins?
Definitely! This sweet chili glaze is fantastic on shrimp, salmon, or even tofu. Just adjust cook times as needed for each protein, and enjoy experimenting with new combinations.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fresh way to fire up your grill, don’t miss out on Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken. It’s easy, bursting with flavor, and sure to become a fast favorite at your table. Give it a try and watch it disappear—your friends and family will thank you!
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Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make Asian-inspired main course perfect for summer grilling. Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a sweet and tangy chili sauce enriched with garlic, ginger, and honey, then grilled to perfection and served with optional garnishes like green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Marinade & Glaze
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until well combined. Set aside 1/4 cup of this mixture for basting during grilling.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse, or up to 8 hours for more depth.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, heat your grill to medium-high. This heat ensures a nice sear without drying out the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and lightly season with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During grilling, baste the chicken occasionally with the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and keep it moist.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to retain juices. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve hot alongside rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- This sweet chili glaze is versatile and also pairs wonderfully with shrimp or salmon.
- For added heat, incorporate a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes into the marinade.
- Complement your meal with steamed rice, noodles, or a crisp green salad to complete your plate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg