Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe

Name: Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness); For the Sticky Sweet Chili Glaze:; 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for extra heat); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; For Garnish:; Sesame seeds; Chopped green onions; Lime wedges (optional)

By funsmagcom@gmail.com

October 8, 2024

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Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are a mouthwatering dish combining bold, spicy, and sweet flavors. This recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky, flavorful sweet chili sauce that balances heat and sweetness perfectly. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or a simple vegetable stir-fry.

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The use of chicken thighs ensures a rich, moist texture, while the sticky sweet chili glaze adds a vibrant punch. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for those who want a satisfying yet quick meal.

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Equipment Needed

Large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan (or a baking dish if finishing in the oven)
Tongs (for flipping the chicken)
Whisk (for mixing the sauce)
Small bowl (for the sauce)
Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs

Preheat the oven: If you plan to finish cooking the chicken in the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C).
Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This ensures that the skin becomes crispy when cooked. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika on both sides.
Heat the skillet: In a large skillet or oven-safe pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Let the chicken sear without moving it for 5-7 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Flip the chicken: Using tongs, flip the chicken thighs over and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side. If you’re using bone-in thighs, the goal is to get a good sear on both sides without fully cooking the chicken through.

Step 2: Make the Sweet Chili Sauce

Combine ingredients: While the chicken is searing, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, Sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lime juice in a small bowl. Taste the sauce and adjust according to your preference—if you like it spicier, add more Sriracha; for more sweetness, increase the honey.
Set aside: Once the sauce is fully combined, set it aside until the chicken is ready to be glazed.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Transfer to the oven (optional): If you are using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken thighs to the oven after searing both sides. Let them roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is cooked through while maintaining its juiciness.
Check for doneness: If you prefer cooking on the stovetop, lower the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook for another 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken thighs are fully cooked and tender. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Remove from heat: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven or stovetop and drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
Glaze the chicken: Pour the prepared sweet chili sauce over the chicken thighs. Use a spoon or brush to coat each thigh generously with the sauce. Return the skillet to the stovetop over medium heat.
Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the chicken to ensure each piece is well-coated. As the sauce simmers, it will thicken and become sticky, adhering beautifully to the chicken thighs.
Caramelize the glaze: If desired, increase the heat slightly to allow the sauce to caramelize around the chicken, creating a beautiful sticky coating.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the chicken: Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is glossy and sticky, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the sticky sweet chili chicken thighs with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
Serve hot: Serve the chicken thighs hot, spooning any remaining sauce from the pan over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:

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Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice for a neutral base to soak up the sweet chili sauce.
Stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli for a light, crisp side.
Asian-style slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing to contrast the rich, sticky chicken.
Noodles (such as soba or rice noodles) tossed with a light sesame oil dressing for a satisfying yet light accompaniment.
Roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty, mildly sweet pairing with the bold flavors of the chicken.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage:

Refrigerator: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: If you want to store the chicken for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Ensure it is wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating:

Microwave: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and reheat on medium power until heated through. Be sure to spoon some of the sauce over the chicken before microwaving to keep it moist.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the chicken on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Stovetop: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a bit of water or extra sauce to keep it from drying out.

Conclusion

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs offer the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that make this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser. The juicy chicken thighs provide a rich base that complements the sticky, flavorful sauce, creating a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week.

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust the spice level and sweetness according to your preference. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, these chicken thighs are sure to impress. Pair them with rice, veggies, or noodles for a complete and balanced meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, this dish is perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks alike. The combination of crispy skin, juicy meat, and sticky sweet chili sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal that can be made right at home in under an hour.

Cooking Tips and Variations:

Chicken Type: While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide extra flavor, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a quicker cook time or chicken breasts for a leaner option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Grill Option: For a smoky, grilled version, sear the chicken thighs on the grill instead of the skillet. Then, brush the sweet chili sauce on while grilling and allow it to caramelize.
Spice Level: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce or omit the Sriracha. If you love extra heat, feel free to add more or include some red pepper flakes in the sauce.
Make Ahead: The sweet chili sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Marinate the chicken in the sauce for even more flavor before cooking.

Yield: 4