There’s something special about that glossy, sweet-and-spicy glaze that Applebee’s serves with their famous Boneless Wings. It’s sticky, tangy, and just the right amount of heat to make every bite pop with flavor. When I first tried it, I knew I had to figure out how to make that sauce at home. After a few test batches, I got it just right—a perfect balance of sweet chili, soy, and garlic that coats anything you toss it with in a beautiful, shiny glaze.
Now, this sauce has become a staple in my kitchen. I use it for stir-fries, grilled chicken, and even as a dipping sauce for crispy shrimp or spring rolls. It’s versatile, simple, and comes together in minutes. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of that first bite at Applebee’s—sweet, spicy, and completely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade Applebee’s Sweet Asian Chili Sauce is the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy, just like the restaurant version. It’s quick to make, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers an authentic restaurant-quality flavor right from your stovetop.
You’ll love it because it’s so versatile—it doubles as a glaze, a dip, or a stir-fry sauce. It pairs beautifully with chicken, shrimp, pork, or even vegetables. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never reach for bottled chili sauce again.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce (such as Mae Ploy or Thai Kitchen brand)
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
Pro Tips
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor—it makes the sauce taste fresher and more vibrant.
- Simmer gently to thicken the sauce without burning the sugars.
- Adjust sweetness and heat to your taste—add more honey for sweet, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- For a glossy finish, stir the sauce constantly while thickening with cornstarch.
- Double the batch! This sauce keeps well in the fridge and works on everything from wings to noodles.
Tools You’ll Need
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl (for mixing cornstarch slurry)
- Airtight jar or container for storage
Substitutions and Variations
- Sweetener: Replace honey with brown sugar or agave syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
- Spice: Add Sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra kick.
- Soy alternative: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- Thicker glaze: Use a little extra cornstarch for a stickier consistency.
- Citrus twist: Add a splash of lime juice for a bright, tangy note.
Make Ahead Tips
This sauce stores beautifully, so you can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks. The flavors intensify as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. Just reheat gently on the stove before using, stirring in a little water if it thickens too much.
If you’re planning a big meal or party, you can even triple the recipe—it’s that easy and reliable.
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients
In a small saucepan, whisk together sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 2: Simmer
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally for about 3–4 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously.
Step 4: Continue to Cook
Reduce heat to low and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Stir constantly to prevent lumps.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce—add more soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or vinegar for tang. Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat level.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a clean jar or container. It will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
Serving Suggestions
- Toss with crispy chicken or shrimp for that signature Applebee’s flavor.
- Drizzle over grilled pork, salmon, or tofu for a sweet-spicy glaze.
- Use as a dipping sauce for egg rolls, potstickers, or spring rolls.
- Stir into noodles or rice bowls for a quick, flavorful meal.
- Mix with mayonnaise for a creamy, spicy sandwich or burger sauce.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover Sweet Asian Chili Sauce in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious with time.
To reheat, warm the sauce gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. Avoid microwaving at high heat—it can cause the sugars to caramelize unevenly. This sauce can also be frozen in small containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months.
Nutrition and Benefits
- Homemade freshness: Made with real ingredients, no preservatives or additives.
- Versatile flavor: Works as a glaze, dip, or stir-fry sauce for multiple dishes.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice to suit your taste.
- Quick and easy: Takes less than 15 minutes to make from start to finish.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use store-bought sweet chili sauce?
Yes! Store-bought sweet chili sauce is the base of this recipe—it saves time and gives the sauce that signature flavor Applebee’s is known for.
2. How can I make this sauce thicker?
Simply add a bit more cornstarch slurry (a mix of cornstarch and water) and simmer for another minute until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Is this sauce spicy?
It’s mildly spicy as written, but you can add more red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or diced fresh chili for extra heat.
4. Can I make it without soy sauce?
Yes, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for a soy-free and gluten-free version without changing the flavor too much.
5. How long does it last?
The sauce will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
6. Can I use this on something other than chicken?
Absolutely! It’s fantastic on shrimp, pork, salmon, tofu, or even roasted vegetables. It also makes a great dipping sauce for fried appetizers.
7. Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes, substitute honey with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit syrup or stevia-based honey alternative. Just start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Sweet Heat in Every Bite
This Applebee’s Sweet Asian Chili Sauce Recipe is the perfect way to bring restaurant-quality flavor into your home kitchen. It’s sticky, spicy, and sweet in all the right ways—ideal for coating crispy chicken or elevating a simple stir-fry. Once you try this version, you’ll never need to buy a bottled version again.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this sauce adds a punch of flavor to anything it touches. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible—just the way a great sauce should be.
