This Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade is a tasty way to give your chicken a flavorful kick! It combines sweet and spicy notes, hitting all the right spots.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix the ingredients, add your chicken, and let it sit. The longer it marinates, the better it tastes—perfect for meal prep!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using chicken thighs for their juicy flavor, but chicken breasts work too. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, turkey cutlets can be a great substitute. Just adjust the cooking time since they can cook faster.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the star of the show, bringing sweetness and a hint of heat. If you’re in a pinch, you can mix ketchup with a little sugar and chili flakes as a shortcut. Homemade versions are also fantastic if you have the time!
Soy Sauce: This adds a savory depth to the marinade. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce works well. For a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos.
Honey: This adds sweetness and helps the marinade stick. Maple syrup is a great substitute if you’re aiming for a vegan option! Just keep in mind that it might change the flavor slightly.
Ginger and Garlic: These give the dish a vibrant kick. When pressed for time, you can use powdered ginger and garlic, though fresh will always give a better taste. Just use about 1/4 tsp each if substituting.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
Grilling the chicken perfectly can be tricky, but with a bit of care, you’ll achieve juicy results every time. Marinating is essential; it not only flavors but helps keep the chicken moist.
- Prepare the marinade ahead, letting the chicken soak for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Let the chicken come to room temperature before grilling. This ensures even cooking.
- Preheat the grill properly. Medium-high heat is key to getting a nice char while cooking the chicken through.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest the chicken for a few minutes off the grill. This keeps juices locked in!
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
For Garnish:
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe needs about 15 minutes for prep and at least 1 hour to marinate. If you have time, marinate overnight for the best flavor! Cooking on the grill will take about 15-20 minutes. So, overall, plan for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes, but up to 24 hours if marinating overnight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger (if you’re using it), rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix until everything is well combined.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste. Place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. This will make it easy to marinate the chicken evenly.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. If you’re using a resealable bag, seal it tightly, removing as much air as possible. If you’re using a dish, cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or if possible, overnight for maximum flavor!
4. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard the leftover marinade to ensure food safety.
5. Cooking Time:
Grill the chicken for about 7-10 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is beautifully charred.
6. Let It Rest:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy!
7. Slice and Serve:
Slice the chicken and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Serve and enjoy your sweet chili marinated chicken!
Happy cooking! Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for chicken thighs or breasts, you can also use drumsticks or wings. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since smaller pieces may cook faster, while larger pieces like thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature.
What If I Don’t Have Sweet Chili Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute sweet chili sauce with a mix of equal parts honey and hot sauce for a similar sweet-heat flavor. Alternatively, a combination of soy sauce, sugar, and a touch of sriracha will also work in a pinch.
How to Store Leftover Marinade?
Since the marinade was in contact with raw chicken, it’s best to discard any leftover marinade that hasn’t been cooked. However, if you want to save some sauce to use as a dip or glaze, make a fresh batch without raw chicken ingredients, and store it in the fridge for up to a week!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is a great idea! It allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat for a more flavorful dish. Just remember to keep it in a covered container or a sealed bag in the refrigerator to ensure it stays fresh.
