This Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken is a tasty dish that’s both sticky and spicy. The sweet chili sauce makes each bite deliciously flavorful! Perfect for dinner or a fun weekend meal.
You know what’s great? The sauce makes the chicken shine like a star! I love serving it with rice or veggies—it’s just yummy comfort food that everyone enjoys. 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I like using bone-in, skin-on thighs for this recipe. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. If you prefer, boneless skinless thighs or even chicken breasts can work, but keep an eye on the cooking time as they cook faster.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce gives a nice sweet and spicy kick. You can make it at home using sugar, vinegar, and chili paste, or buy it pre-made. If you want less sugar, look for a low-sugar version or hot sauce mixed with honey!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds umami. If you’re gluten-free, try tamari instead. You can also use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor. If you’re cutting back on salt, low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice.
Rice Vinegar/Lime Juice: This adds acidity. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar works well too. Lime or lemon juice can be a nice fresh alternative, adding zest to your glaze.
How Do I Get the Chicken Skin Crispy and Flavorful?
Getting that delicious crispy skin on your chicken thighs is all about proper heat and technique. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with dry chicken: Patting the chicken thighs dry helps achieve that crispiness.
- Hot skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This will help render the fat quickly.
- Don’t move the chicken: Let it cook undisturbed for the first few minutes. This helps with browning.
- Adjust the heat: After the skin is crispy, flip the chicken and cook at a slightly lower heat to ensure the inside cooks through without burning the skin.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have beautifully crisp skin on your Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken!
Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar or lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, followed by 20-25 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend about 35 minutes total to have this delicious Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve that crispy skin! Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Making the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lime juice), minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes if you’d like some extra heat. Set this tasty sauce aside for later!
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them cook without moving them for about 6-7 minutes, until the skin is beautifully golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 5 minutes.
4. Adding the Glaze:
Now for the fun part! Pour the sweet chili glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low and keep cooking, occasionally spooning the sauce over the chicken. You want the chicken to be fully cooked (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the sauce to thicken up into a sticky glaze, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Serving Up:
Once the chicken is cooked and coated with that delicious glaze, gently spoon the chicken and sauce over a bed of warm cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.
6. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and savor the delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors with tender chicken. It’s sure to become a favorite!
This recipe yields a beautifully sticky and flavorful chicken dish, perfectly complemented by fresh lime and green onions. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Instead of Bone-In Thighs?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Just remember that boneless chicken will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly—aim for about 15-20 minutes total cooking time.
What if I Don’t Have Sweet Chili Sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing honey or maple syrup with hot sauce to taste. This combo gives a similar sweet and spicy profile!
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in the glaze for a few hours or even overnight for extra flavor. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly when you’re ready to serve.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it up in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or additional chili sauce if necessary to prevent drying out.
