This Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken is a tasty treat! Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a sweet and spicy glaze that makes every bite exciting.
Whenever I whip this dish up, my kitchen smells heavenly. It’s so good, I sometimes have to hide the leftovers! Perfect for family dinners or a fun night in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give the best flavor and juiciness. You can substitute them with boneless thighs for a quicker cook or even chicken breasts, but they might need careful cooking to avoid drying out.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the star of the dish! If you don’t have any, try mixing equal parts of honey and sriracha for a homemade alternative, or use a store-bought Asian BBQ sauce.
Honey or Brown Sugar: These add additional sweetness. For a sugar-free version, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar, but adjust the amount to taste since they vary in sweetness.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is best for flavor! If you’re in a pinch, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and ginger powder instead, but the fresh taste is hard to beat.
How Do I Achieve Crispy Skin on the Chicken?
To get that perfect crispy skin, start by drying the chicken thighs thoroughly with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Season well with salt and pepper. When you sear them, make sure your skillet is hot enough to start browning immediately.
- Heat the skillet on medium-high before adding olive oil.
- Place chicken skin-side down and don’t move it for the first 5-7 minutes. This allows for a good crust to form.
- Flip it carefully, then let the other side cook for a few minutes before baking in the oven.
Following these steps will help you achieve that satisfying crunch with each bite!
How to Make Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Glaze:
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cooked jasmine or basmati rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes of cooking time. So, in total, you’ll need about 35 minutes to make this delicious dish and serve it up! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal any night of the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important to ensure your chicken cooks evenly. While the oven heats up, take your chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to get the skin nice and crispy later. Season both sides of the chicken well with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Let them sear for about 5-7 minutes without moving them, so the skin can get nice and crispy and golden brown. Then, flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side. This step ensures your chicken is flavorful and juicy!
3. Make the Glaze:
While the chicken is cooking, grab a small bowl and combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix these ingredients together until well combined. This glaze is what will make your chicken so delicious!
4. Coat with Sauce and Bake:
Pour the glaze over the chicken thighs in the skillet, making sure to turn them to coat evenly in the sauce. Once coated, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (check with a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C) and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized to perfection!
5. Finish and Serve:
When the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute. Spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the chicken for extra flavor. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with your choice of steamed jasmine or basmati rice. Enjoy your delightful meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breasts are a leaner option, but be mindful to adjust the cooking time since they cook faster. Start checking for doneness around 15 minutes to avoid drying them out.
How Can I Store Leftover Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you enjoy a spicier kick, add some sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze. You can also replace the sweet chili sauce with a spicier hoisin or chili-garlic sauce if you prefer more heat!
What Can I Serve with This Chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with jasmine or basmati rice, but you can also serve it with steamed vegetables, stir-fried noodles, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.