Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe

When it comes to chicken dishes, the balance between sweet and spicy is a game changer. This Sweet and Spicy Chicken recipe gives you the perfect combination of bold heat with a touch of sweetness. It’s easy to make and incredibly versatile, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the recipe, sharing tips to customize it to your taste and making sure you get the most flavor out of each bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. You want to ensure that the chicken is well-seasoned before cooking to build a strong flavor foundation.

Step 2: Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, and minced ginger. This combination of ingredients creates the perfect blend of sweetness and heat, with the vinegar adding a slight tang to balance everything out.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until they develop a nice golden-brown crust and are cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, covering it loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the sweet and spicy sauce mixture. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Add the Chicken Back to the Skillet

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, so it absorbs all the flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and crunch. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

With Rice

Serve this sweet and spicy chicken over a bed of jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. The neutral flavor of the rice balances out the boldness of the chicken.

With Vegetables

For a healthier option, serve the chicken with steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or snap peas. The sweetness and spice of the chicken will pair beautifully with the fresh, crisp veggies.

In Tacos or Wraps

Want a fun twist? Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or wraps. Add some avocado, sour cream, and extra hot sauce to create a mouthwatering meal.

Tips for the Best Sweet and Spicy Chicken

Adjust the Spice Level

The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. If you love spicy food, feel free to add more sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes. For those who prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of hot sauce.

Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness

While chicken breasts work perfectly in this recipe, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier and more flavorful result. Thighs tend to have a bit more fat, which helps keep the meat tender and moist.

Make It Ahead of Time

This recipe is a great option for meal prep. You can make the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat and enjoy!

Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen up the sauce if necessary.

Conclusion

This Sweet and Spicy Chicken recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for any night of the week. The combination of honey and sriracha brings the perfect balance of sweet and heat, while the soy sauce adds umami depth. Whether you’re serving it with rice, veggies, or wrapped in a tortilla, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of protein?

Yes! This sauce works great with shrimp, tofu, or even pork. Simply adjust the cooking time for the protein you’re using.

What if I don’t have sriracha?

You can substitute sriracha with any hot sauce you prefer, such as Frank’s RedHot or gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a different flavor profile.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-searing it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Then, toss the baked chicken in the sauce and serve.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Definitely! Feel free to add extra sriracha, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a chopped jalapeño for more heat.

Yield: 4

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe

Print

When it comes to chicken dishes, the balance between sweet and spicy is a game changer. This Sweet and Spicy Chicken recipe gives you the perfect combination of bold heat with a touch of sweetness. It's easy to make and incredibly versatile, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening the sauce)
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season and Cook the Chicken:
   Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and black pepper on both sides.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
2. Prepare the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
   In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   Add honey, soy sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
   If you want the sauce to be spicier, add red pepper flakes at this stage.
   
3. Thicken the Sauce:
   Stir the cornstarch and water mixture into the sauce to thicken it. Let the sauce simmer for another 1-2 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
   
4. Coat the Chicken:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning it over in the sauce to coat it evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes to absorb the sweet and spicy flavors.
   
5. Serve:
   Remove the chicken from the heat. Slice and serve the chicken with the remaining sauce drizzled on top.
   Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha or omit the red pepper flakes.

Protein Variation: You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even shrimp for a different protein option.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. A side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans would complement the dish well.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat for best results.

Add-ins: You can add veggies like bell peppers or snap peas to the skillet when cooking the sauce for more texture and flavor.