Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken is a tasty dish with juicy chicken smothered in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy glaze. It’s super easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Whenever I make it, I can’t resist licking the spoon after glazing the chicken. It’s that good! Serve it with rice, and you’re in for a delicious treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide moisture and flavor. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts, but adjust cook time accordingly to prevent dryness.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the star of the dish! If you can’t find it, a mix of honey and a bit of hot sauce works as an alternative, though the flavor will be different.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness. You can use maple syrup or agave syrup if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, tamari or coconut aminos are excellent substitutes.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is always best for these ingredients, but if you’re in a pinch, powdered garlic and ginger can work too. Just adjust the amounts since they are more concentrated.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds brightness. Lemon juice is a good substitution if limes aren’t available.
How Can I Get Crispy Chicken Skin?
Achieving crispy skin is all about cooking technique. Following these steps will help:
- Start with dry chicken by patting it with paper towels; moisture makes it harder to crisp up.
- Cook skin-side down in a hot skillet with enough oil to help crisp the skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan, or moisture will prevent crispiness.
- Don’t rush the flipping—let it cook undisturbed to get that golden brown skin before turning.
Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional, for extra heat)
- Juice of half a lime
- Fresh cilantro or basil, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to make. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking the chicken on the stove for 20 minutes. Easy and quick for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get nice and crispy! Once they’re dry, season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. This is the base for all that delicious flavor!
3. Flip the Chicken:
Carefully flip the chicken over using tongs and cook the other side for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through. You want to ensure it’s juicy and tender!
4. Make the Sweet Chili Glaze:
While the chicken cooks, grab a small bowl and whisk together the sweet chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, chopped red chili (if using), and lime juice. This glaze is going to add a wonderful flavor to your chicken!
5. Glaze the Chicken:
Pour the sweet chili glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes. Be sure to spoon the glaze over the chicken frequently—this will make the sauce thick, sticky, and flavorful, covering your chicken beautifully!
6. Rest the Chicken:
Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and let the chicken rest for 2 minutes. This helps keep the juices in.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or basil over the top for added freshness. Serve your Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken hot with steamed rice or your favorite side vegetables for a complete meal.
Enjoy the sweetness, spiciness, and tanginess of this delightful dish!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! If you prefer chicken breasts, just make sure to adjust the cooking time as they generally cook faster. Keep an eye on the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you want more heat, consider adding more chopped red chili or a dash of cayenne pepper to the glaze. You could also use a hot chili sauce instead of sweet chili sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare the Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the sweet chili glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it in the recipe. It’s a great time-saver!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The chicken will still taste great!
