Irresistible Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe

Sticky sweet chili chicken thighs bring a burst of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you experiment with bold, zesty combinations.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of spicy and sugary notes that complement the tender chicken perfectly.

Crispy edges and a glossy glaze create an irresistible texture you’ll absolutely love.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something spectacular.

Succulent meat infused with vibrant seasonings turns an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Dive right in and let this mouthwatering recipe become your new dinnertime champion.

Ingredients Checklist for Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy meat that absorbs the marinade and creates a delicious base for the dish.

• Sweet Chili Sauce, Soy Sauce, Honey: Combination that provides a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors to coat the chicken.

• Garlic, Ginger: Fresh ingredients that add depth and warmth to the marinade.
• Lime Juice: Bright citrus element that adds acidity and helps tenderize the meat.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and spicy kick to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and creating a golden brown exterior.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh garnish that adds color, texture, and additional flavor to the final dish.

The Steps for Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Whip Up A Zesty Marinade

• Sweet chili sauce
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger
• Lime juice
• Red pepper flakes

Stir everything together until well blended and create a vibrant, tangy coating for the chicken.

Step 2: Bathe Chicken In Flavor

Place chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated.

Let the chicken soak up all those incredible flavors for about 30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 3: Sizzle And Brown

Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place marinated chicken thighs into the hot pan. Cook each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms, creating delicious caramelization.

Step 4: Transform Into Sticky Sensation

Pour the remaining marinade directly into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer and reduce, transforming into a thick, glossy coating that clings perfectly to the chicken.

The sauce will become wonderfully sticky and intensely flavorful.

Step 5: Plate And Garnish

Transfer the chicken to a serving platter.

Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a fresh, crunchy finish.

Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.

Kitchen Suggestions for Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

• Marinate chicken thighs longer for deeper flavor infusion, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum taste.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes to suit personal heat preference.
• Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juiciness.
• For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and ensure sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.
• Enhance the dish by adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for extra texture and freshness.

Twist Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Your Way

• Thai Coconut Fusion: Replace sweet chili sauce with coconut milk and add lemongrass for a creamy, aromatic southeast Asian-inspired version.
• Korean Gochujang Style: Swap sweet chili sauce with gochujang paste, adding a deep, spicy Korean barbecue flavor profile to the chicken thighs.
• Caribbean Jerk Transformation: Incorporate Caribbean jerk seasoning and rum into the marinade, creating a bold and tropical taste experience.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh oregano, thyme, and a splash of white wine, bringing Mediterranean herbaceous notes to the dish.

Plate Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs for Family Meals

• Party Platter Perfection: Slice chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a large wooden board with toothpicks. Drizzle extra sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds for an elegant appetizer that guests can easily grab.
• Asian Fusion Rice Bowl: Layer fluffy jasmine rice in a bowl, top with sliced chicken thighs, and pour the glossy sauce over. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Wrap and Roll Delight: Shred the sticky chicken and stuff into warm tortillas or lettuce wraps. Add fresh cucumber slices and a drizzle of extra sauce for a quick, portable meal that packs incredible flavor.

Store Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs for Later

• Store marinated or cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent flavor loss.
• Transfer cooled chicken thighs to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken will keep well for 2-3 months, maintaining its quality and taste.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. Alternatively, use the microwave with a damp paper towel covering the chicken to retain moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they tend to dry out faster. Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier during cooking.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preference.

• Do I need to remove chicken skin before cooking?

No, keeping the skin on helps lock in moisture and creates a crispy texture. The skin will also absorb the delicious sweet and savory marinade.

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

30 minutes is the recommended time. Marinating longer than 2 hours might cause the meat to break down and become mushy, so stick to the suggested timeframe.

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Delivers Zing

• Quick and Simple: No oven needed, making this dessert a breeze to prepare with minimal kitchen equipment and steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Irresistible blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter creates a universally loved treat that appeals to all ages.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: Chill in the refrigerator ahead of time, allowing you to prepare in advance for parties, potlucks, or unexpected sweet cravings without last-minute stress.
• Budget-Friendly Indulgence: Uses basic pantry ingredients that are affordable and easily accessible, delivering a gourmet-tasting dessert without breaking the bank.

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent sticky sweet chili chicken thighs deliver bold Asian-inspired flavors that dance across palates. Crispy skin and tender meat make this dish irresistible for those craving a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsps soy sauce
• 2 tbsps honey
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp ginger (fresh, grated)
• 1 lime (juiced)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsps olive oil

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Instructions

1. Combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl to create a vibrant marinade.
2. Immerse chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for half an hour to infuse flavors deeply.
3. Preheat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
4. Carefully place marinated chicken thighs into the skillet, searing each side until a rich golden-brown crust develops, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
5. Pour remaining marinade into the skillet, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing the sauce to simmer and caramelize, creating a glossy, thick coating on the chicken.
6. Continue cooking until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce transforms into a sticky, concentrated glaze.
7. Transfer chicken to a serving platter, drizzling any remaining reduction over the top.
8. Garnish with finely sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
9. Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the sauce is glistening.

Notes

• Check marinade thickness by ensuring it coats the back of a spoon for maximum flavor absorption.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes according to personal heat tolerance.
• Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and easier eating, especially for family meals.
• Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices and prevent dryness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg