Quick & Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe for Dinner Joy

Succulent chicken thighs bathed in a sticky sweet chili sauce promise an explosion of flavors that dance across your taste buds.

This recipe delivers a mouthwatering blend of spicy and sweet that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Tender chicken absorbs the rich marinade, creating a caramelized exterior that seals in every ounce of deliciousness.

The harmonious mix of ingredients ensures each bite bursts with complex, tantalizing notes.

Minimal preparation meets maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing dish that comes together effortlessly.

Weeknight dinners just got a delectable upgrade with these irresistible chicken thighs that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve alongside steamed rice or roasted vegetables to complete this spectacular meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs: Flavor Explosion

• Quick Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a mouthwatering combination of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that dance on your taste buds with minimal kitchen effort.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Simple sear-and-bake technique ensures perfectly cooked chicken with a gorgeous golden glaze, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Option: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that appeal to both adults and kids, transforming an ordinary meal into a delightful family feast.
• Minimal Ingredient Requirement: Using common pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, and sweet chili sauce, you can create a stunning dish without complicated shopping trips.

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful cut of meat that absorbs the sweet and spicy marinade perfectly.

• Sweet Chili Sauce, Soy Sauce, Honey: Creates a sticky, glossy glaze with a balanced combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and warmth to the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and prevent sticking to the skillet.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh garnishes that add color, texture, and a subtle nutty finish to the dish.

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Directions

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Station

Set your oven to a toasty 400°F to create the perfect environment for your delicious chicken thighs.

Step 2: Prep The Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the chicken thighs, massaging the seasonings into every nook and cranny for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic Sauce

• Sweet chili sauce
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger

Blend until the sauce looks smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Sizzle And Sear

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken thighs into the hot pan, allowing them to develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until they look beautifully caramelized.

Step 5: Sauce And Bake

Pour the flavor-packed sauce directly over the seared chicken thighs.

Transfer the entire skillet into the preheated oven.

Step 6: Roast To Perfection

Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes.

The chicken will become tender, juicy, and develop a stunning glazed finish.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken thighs for a pop of color and extra texture.

Serve immediately and enjoy your mouthwatering creation.

Tips for Sticky, Succulent Chicken Thighs

• Cover the skillet with foil during the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent the sauce from burning and ensure even caramelization.
• Adjust sweet chili sauce quantity based on personal preference, adding more honey for extra sweetness or reducing for a tangier flavor.
• Pat chicken thighs completely dry before searing to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Marinate chicken thighs in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the overall taste and tenderness.
• Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Sweet Chili Chicken Variations to Try

• Low-Sodium Option: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt to minimize sodium intake while maintaining flavor depth.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken thighs with firm tofu or seitan, using the same sweet chili glaze and baking method for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce mixture for those who enjoy extra heat and want a more intense flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure sweet chili sauce is gluten-free, serving with cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Plating Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

• Flavor-Packed Plate Companions: Serve alongside fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sticky sauce.
• Asian-Inspired Side Kick: Whip up a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar and fresh herbs to balance the sweet and spicy chicken.
• Fresh Green Crunch: Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a vibrant vegetable complement that adds nutrition and color to the meal.
• Weekend Dinner Drama: Create a gorgeous family-style spread by arranging the glazed chicken thighs on a large platter with scattered green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for impressive presentation.

Storage for Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

• Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out and ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature.

• Is sweet chili sauce very spicy?

Most sweet chili sauces are mild with a slight kick, balancing sweetness and gentle heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, choose a milder brand or reduce the amount.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken. Juices should run clear when pierced.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free. Check labels carefully to confirm ingredients.

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent sticky sweet chili chicken thighs promise a flavor explosion that whisks home cooks straight to Asian-inspired comfort. Juicy chicken coated in a glossy, spicy-sweet glaze delivers mouthwatering satisfaction with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sweet chili sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Garnish:

• Red pepper flakes
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 400°F and ensure a rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to promote better browning and seasoning adherence.
3. Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a mixing bowl until well combined.
5. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
6. Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down, searing for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops.
7. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
9. Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
10. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
11. Sprinkle finely chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the glazed chicken before serving.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.
• Create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensuring your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.
• Balance the sweetness by adding a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to the sauce for a tangy kick that cuts through the richness.
• For extra crispy skin, pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing to remove excess moisture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 337 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 901 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg