Save to Pinterest This Thai Sweet Chili Chicken is a vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy Thai-inspired dish made effortlessly in the pressure cooker—perfect for quick, flavor-packed dinners. Juicy chicken breasts are bathed in a sweet chili, honey, and lime sauce, then finished with fresh green onion and lime wedges for a bright, aromatic finish.
Save to Pinterest Searing the chicken before pressure cooking locks in the juices and creates golden-brown edges that soak up the sauce. This simple technique ensures every bite is tender and packed with the bold flavors of ginger, lime, and honey.
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
- Step 1
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos), honey, lime juice, and ground ginger until smooth.
- Step 2
- 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).
- Step 3
- 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.
- Step 4
- 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.
- Step 5
- Transfer the chicken and thickened sauce to the pressure cooker. Secure the lid, set to poultry mode (or manual/high pressure) for 10 minutes.
- Step 6
- Once cooking is complete, quick release the pressure, or let it naturally release for a few minutes for juicier chicken.
- Step 7
- Serve chicken with sauce, garnished with sliced green onion and lime wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor significantly. To keep the meat as succulent as possible, let the pressure release naturally for a few minutes before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. This recipe can be made gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs for the breasts; just remember to adjust the cooking time if needed.
Serviervorschläge
For a complete and satisfying meal, serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of jasmine rice, steamed rice, or noodles. The garnish of thinly sliced green onion and fresh lime wedges adds a final touch of brightness that balances the sweet chili glaze perfectly.
Save to Pinterest Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal-prep option, this Thai Sweet Chili Chicken delivers a restaurant-quality experience right from your pressure cooker. Enjoy the delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes in every bite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and may stay even juicier. Adjust pressure cooking time to 12-15 minutes for bone-in thighs or 8-10 minutes for boneless thighs.
- → Is this dish spicy?
Mildly spicy from the sweet chili sauce. The honey and lime juice balance the heat nicely. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat.
- → Can I make this without a pressure cooker?
Yes, after searing the chicken, simmer in the skillet covered for 15-20 minutes until cooked through, then uncover and reduce the sauce for 5 minutes.
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
Minimum 30 minutes for flavor absorption, but 2 hours or overnight yields deeper, more developed taste. Don't exceed 24 hours or the texture may become mushy.
- → What should I serve with this chicken?
Jasmine rice, steamed white rice, or rice noodles are classic choices. The sauce pairs perfectly with the neutral starch. Add steamed vegetables for a complete meal.