Sweet Spicy Chicken: A Delicious Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Sweet Spicy Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances the rich flavors of sweetness and heat, making it a favorite in many households. As I first discovered this recipe during a family gathering, I was immediately captivated by the aroma wafting through the kitchen. This dish has roots in various culinary traditions, often celebrated for its ability to bring people together around the dinner table. The combination of tender chicken, a sticky sweet glaze, and a kick of spice creates a taste sensation that is both comforting and exciting.

People love Sweet Spicy Chicken not only for its incredible flavor but also for its versatility. Whether served over rice, in a wrap, or alongside fresh vegetables, this dish is as convenient as it is delicious. The texture of the chicken, combined with the glossy sauce, makes every bite a delightful experience. Join me as we explore this mouthwatering recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (or more for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Chicken

First things first, let’s get our chicken ready. I love using chicken thighs for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Here’s how I prepare the chicken:

1. Start by rinsing the chicken thighs under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture, which is key for a good sear.
2. In a large bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix these spices together until they are well combined.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the chicken in the spice mixture until each piece is evenly coated. I like to let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

Making the Sweet Spicy Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up the sweet and spicy sauce that will take this dish to the next level. It’s super easy and packed with flavor!

1. In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha sauce, and sesame oil. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended. This sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy!
2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together until smooth. This will be used to thicken the sauce later.
3. Once the chicken has marinated, set aside about 1/4 cup of the sauce for later use. This will be used for glazing the chicken after it’s cooked.

Cooking the Chicken

Now it’s time to cook the chicken! I prefer to use a skillet for this, but you can also grill or bake the chicken if you like. Here’s how I do it:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook in batches.
2. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on one side without moving it. This will help to get a nice golden-brown sear.
3. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 5-7 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you’re using a meat thermometer, this is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it warm while we finish the sauce.

Thickening the Sauce

Now that the chicken is cooked, let’s finish up the sauce!

1. In the same skillet, pour in the remaining sauce (the one we didn’t set aside) and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Once it’s simmering, add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet while whisking continuously. This will help to thicken the sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce is glossy and has thickened, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Once thickened, return the chicken to the

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Sweet Spicy Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The perfect balance of sweetness and heat creates a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, toss it into a fresh salad, or even wrap it in warm tortillas for a delightful taco night. Feel free to experiment with variations by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your palate. Whether you prefer it extra sweet or with a fiery kick, this recipe can easily be tailored to your liking. I encourage you to give this Sweet Spicy Chicken a try and share your experience with friends and family. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media; I can’t wait to see your delicious creations! Happy cooking! Print
   

   Sweet Spicy Chicken: A Delicious Recipe for Flavor Lovers

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 45 minutes
   • Yield: 4 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   This Sweet and Spicy Chicken Thighs recipe features tender chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and coated in a delicious sweet and spicy sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, served hot with rice or your favorite side dish.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon onion powder
   • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
   • 1/4 cup honey
   • 1/4 cup soy sauce
   • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
   • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (or more for extra heat)
   • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
   • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
   • 2 tablespoons water
   • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
   • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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   Instructions

   1. Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
   2. In a large bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
   3. Add chicken thighs and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
   4. In a medium bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha sauce, and sesame oil. Whisk until blended.
   5. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth.
   6. Set aside 1/4 cup of the sauce for glazing later.
   7. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken thighs, cooking in batches if necessary.
   8. Cook for 5-7 minutes on one side without moving, then flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
   9. Remove chicken from skillet and cover with foil to keep warm.
   10. In the same skillet, pour in the remaining sauce and bring to a simmer.
   11. Add the cornstarch mixture while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
   12. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat in the sauce, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
   13. Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot.

   Notes

   • Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less sriracha and cayenne pepper.
   • This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
   • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

   • Prep Time: 30 minutes
   • Cook Time: 15 minutes