This Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade is a game changer! It blends sweet and spicy flavors, making your chicken tender and tasty. Just a few ingredients do the trick!
I love to let the chicken soak overnight for the best flavor. Grill it, bake it, or even stir-fry it—no matter how you cook it, it always turns out delicious! 🤤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are perfect here due to their tenderness. If you prefer, boneless chicken breasts can work, but they may dry out more easily. For a plant-based option, try tofu or tempeh marinated the same way!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This brings sweetness and a nice kick. If you’re out, you can mix equal parts of honey (or agave) and sriracha for a quick substitute. You can also use homemade sweet chili sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
Soy Sauce: It adds umami and saltiness. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos is a great alternative. Just keep in mind it’s a bit sweeter. Low-sodium soy sauce helps reduce sodium content while still boosting flavor.
Rice Vinegar: It gives a lovely acidic twist. If not available, apple cider vinegar is a good stand-in. For a sweeter profile, use white wine vinegar. The goal is to balance the flavors!
Sesame Oil: This enhances the dish with a nutty aroma. If you’re allergic to sesame, you can skip this or try olive oil for cooking, but you might miss that unique flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but a few tips can help ensure it’s juicy and well-cooked:
- Preheat your grill to a good medium-high heat. This helps sear the chicken quickly, locking in juices.
- Don’t rush! Grill each side for 5-7 minutes until you see nice grill marks and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest after grilling. This helps redistribute the juices, so every bite is tender and flavorful.
- Finally, remember to discard the marinade after removing the chicken; it has been in contact with raw meat.
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 pound chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and can marinate for anywhere between 1 hour to 24 hours in the refrigerator. After marinating, grilling will take another 10-15 minutes. Overall, it’s a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or when you have some extra time to let those flavors develop!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and if you’re using them, ginger and lime juice. Add a little salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed to create your tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you want even more flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge, allowing any excess marinade to drip off (don’t forget to discard the leftover marinade). Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has a nice char.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in those juices. Garnish with the sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve your Sweet Chili Chicken warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs, but keep in mind they may dry out more quickly. If using chicken breasts, consider marinating for at least 2 hours for better flavor and be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time; they usually cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side.
What If I Don’t Have Sweet Chili Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts of honey and soy sauce with a splash of hot sauce for some heat. Adjust the sweet and spicy levels to your taste, and it’ll work well for marinating the chicken.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight is a great way to infuse even more flavor into the chicken! Just remember to keep it in the refrigerator, and make sure to use a resealable bag or covered dish to avoid any contamination.
How to Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the skillet over low heat. If you find the chicken is a bit dry, a splash of broth or water can help add moisture back in.
