Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s totally weeknight winner: Chicken noodle soup.Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs. What are some suggestions?. Think of your favorite takeout sweet chili chicken, but way easier and, dare I say, even better? What’s that same addictive sweet and spicy thing going on with chicken? What is it like to have a melt in your mouth? If you’re looking for something that’s way less work than Orange Chicken but scratches, i’m going to buy it. If you have that same itch, this is it. My family goes absolutely bonkers for these – I’m talking about scraping the plate clean!
What are Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs?
Let’s break it down. Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are essentially pan-fried or baked chicken thighs coated in a vegetable oil. What is a glossy sauce? What is the most effective way to get a flavor explosion on your dinner table? The sweetness comes from a mix of brown sugar and honey, balanced perfectly by the heat of chili. What are some of the best umami sauces? What’s a good combination of sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy all rolled into one? What are some addictive bites? Plus, using chicken thighs keeps everything super moist and flavorful. Is it better to eat chicken breasts on a weeknight?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already! Ignore complicated marinades or fancy techniques. What can I do in under 30 minutes?flavorIs this out of this world? What is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, savory, and tangy? What do you think of the chicken clinging to your belly? Is it a crowd pleaser even for picky eaters? My kids, who usually turn their noses up at anything remotely “spicy,” devour this! The cost is super efficient. Chicken thighs are way more affordable than chicken breasts, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. How do I feed a family of four on tuesday? Can you serve these?Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs: How do I make themCan you serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps? What are some good leftovers? I mean, I make it for dinner and then sneak cold bites straight from the fridge the next day. Don’t judge me! It’s that good.
How do I make sticky sweet chili chicken thighs?
Quick Overview
How do you searing chicken thighs? Then, you whisk together the simple but powerful sauce ingredients. Next, you’ll simmer the chicken in the sauce until it’s sticky and glistening. How do I make the sauce so thick that it clings to the chicken? Is it easier to order takeout than ordering online?
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless because they cook faster and are easier to eat, but bone-in, and skin-on. Will also work – just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the chicken. You can also use any other neutral oil.
• 1/2 tsp salt: To season the chicken.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a little extra flavor.
What is the recipe for Sticky Sweet Chili Sauce?
I usually grab Huy Fong brand (the one with the rooster! What are some good substitutes for sweet chili sauce?
• 1/4 cup soy sauce: I use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
• 2 Tbsp honey: Adds sweetness and helps the sauce get that sticky texture.
• 2 tbsp brown sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-y sweetness.
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar: For a touch of tanginess.
• 1 tsp chili garlic sauce: This is where the heat comes from! Adjust to your liking. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is always best!
• 1 tsp ginger, grated: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch: To thicken the sauce. Mix it with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
First, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Season them with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan, or they won’t sear properly. You might need to do this in batches. I like to cook chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Set aside. Chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Step 4: Simmer in Sauce
Pour the sauce over the seared chicken thighs in the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re tender. Is the sauce thick and cooked through? I always do this when I’m short on time. If you want to bake them instead see below.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create slurry. How do you stir slurry into a skillet? Let the sauce simmer for another minute or two, until it’s thickened to your liking.
Step 6: Bake Option
If you are baking the thighs, follow all the previous steps. Next put the legs into a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 375F for 30 minutes. If you want to bake for 10 minutes, remove the foil and bake until it reaches 165. If the sauce is still too thin put it in the oven for 5 minutes.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs.What are some great side dishes to serve over rice or noodles? Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
What should I serve it with?
Let’s talk about pairings!Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs – Served withAre so versatile, you can serve them with just about anything.What is a quick weeknight dinner?Steamed rice is the classic choice. It soaks up all that delicious sauce! I also love serving them with quick-cooking noodles like ramen or udon. Is steamed broccoli or green beans a good side dish?For an Elegant Meal: Try serving them with coconut rice and a side of Asian slaw. The coconut rice adds a touch of sweetness that complements the sauce perfectly, and the slaw provides a nice crunchy contrast. I often add sliced almonds to the rice for texture.
For a Fun and Casual Meal: These chicken thighs are amazing in lettuce wraps! Just pile them into crisp lettuce leaves with some shredded carrots, cucumbers, and a drizzle of extra sauce. You could also serve them with steamed bao buns for a fun and interactive meal. We do this on game night with friends.
For Cozy Snacks: You can even shred the chicken and use it as a filling for spring rolls or egg rolls! Serve with extra sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
Alright, time for my hard-earned wisdom! Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years for making these Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs absolutely perfect:
Chicken Thigh Prep: Make sure you pat the chicken thighs completely dry before searing them. This is the key to getting that nice, golden-brown crust. I sometimes use a paper towel to really get them dry before seasoning with salt and pepper.
Sear Time: Don’t be afraid to let the chicken sear for a full 3-4 minutes per side. You want a good, deep color. It adds so much flavor to the final dish. This is not the time to be timid!
Sauce Consistency: The cornstarch slurry is crucial for thickening the sauce. Make sure you whisk it together with cold water before adding it to the skillet, or it will clump up. I tested this once without the slurry and it ended up way too runny.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. You can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away!
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use maple syrup or honey, just adjust the amount slightly.
Serving Hack: For an extra-glossy finish, brush the cooked chicken thighs with a little extra sweet chili sauce before serving. It makes them look extra tempting! I learned this trick from a chef friend and it’s a total game changer.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are fantastic for meal prep! Here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
Room Temperature: I really wouldn’t recommend leaving these at room temperature for more than two hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’re great cold, straight from the fridge, or reheated.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken thighs. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: You can reheat the chicken thighs in the microwave, oven, or skillet. In the microwave, heat them in 30-second intervals until warmed through. In the oven, bake them at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. In the skillet, reheat them over medium heat until warmed through, adding a little water or broth if needed to prevent them from drying out. I usually add a little bit of broth!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. What more could you ask for? It’s perfect when you are craving something sweet and savory. If you’re looking for more easy weeknight dinner ideas, be sure to check out my other chicken recipes. And if you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken thighs
- 0.5 cup Sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.
- Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Place chicken thighs in a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until cooked through.
