by radya
Prepare to change up your dinner plans with this amazing Sweet and Spicy Chicken recipe that has quickly become a favorite in my weekly meals.
When I first came up with this dish, I wanted something that would please my spouse who loves spice and my teens who crave sweetness – and this recipe nailed it! The secret is in the ideal mix of honey’s sweetness and a gentle kick from chili that grows with every bite.
If you liked my Orange Chicken recipe, you will definitely enjoy this variation that blends Asianinspired tastes with a special mix of heat and sweetness.
What makes this meal truly standout is how the chicken remains very juicy inside while achieving a beautiful, caramelized outside that is hard to resist.
The best thing? This dish can be ready in just half an hour, making it ideal for hectic evenings when you want something tasty without spending hours cooking. From the first fry in the pan to the last touch of garnish, this recipe guarantees restaurantlevel flavor in your own home.
What is Sweet and Spicy Chicken?
Have you ever wondered what occurs when honey meets heat in a flavor combination? That’s the essence of Sweet and Spicy Chicken! This favorite dish features soft pieces of chicken covered in a shiny sauce that skillfully mixes sweet honey and brown sugar with zesty chili and garlic.
They often say that food is the path to a man’s heart, but I’ve found this recipe has a talent for charming everyone – no matter their age or gender!
The name reveals all you need to know – it’s sweet, it’s spicy, and it’s totally chicken tastic (yes, that’s a new term I came up with, but once you try this dish, you’ll see why ordinary words don’t capture it!).
Ready to bring some excitement to your cooking?
Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spicy Chicken
This recipe is about to become your top pick for many reasons. First, the highlight is the amazing sauce that perfectly wraps around each chicken piece – it’s thick, shiny, and sticks to the meat in a delightful way.
The sauce begins with sweetness and then adds a mild heat that keeps you wanting more.
Making this at home will save you a lot when compared to ordering takeout, and you’ll be aware of every ingredient in your meal.
Additionally, you can modify the sweetness and spice levels to match your family’s taste. The mix of fresh ginger, garlic, and green onions creates flavor layers that premade sauces just can’t provide.
Just like my wellloved Honey Garlic Chicken recipe, this dish demonstrates how simple ingredients can yield amazing flavors. Why not try both recipes and see which one becomes your family’s favorite?
How to Prepare Spicy and Sweet Chicken
Quick Summary
This delicious recipe can be made in only 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings.
The chicken remains juicy and tender, and the sauce provides a lovely glaze that is both appealing and tasty. You’ll appreciate how fast this dish comes together, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones.
Essential Ingredients for Spicy and Sweet Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped into 1inch pieces
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions for topping
- Sesame seeds for topping
- Vegetable oil for frying
StepbyStep Directions
- In a big bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In another bowl, mix together the honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan on mediumhigh heat. Add the chicken pieces in one layer, cooking them in batches if needed. Fry for 56 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are golden brown.
- Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside. Reduce the heat to medium and add the sauce mixture to the pan. Let it simmer for 23 minutes as it begins to thicken.
- Combine cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce. Keep stirring for 12 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Put the chicken back into the pan and toss it well to coat it in the sauce. Cook for another 23 minutes until everything is warmed through and the sauce nicely coats the chicken.
- Before serving, add chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
What to Accompany Spicy and Sweet Chicken
This adaptable dish goes wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, which can soak up the delectable sauce. For a lighter choice, you can serve it with cauliflower rice or alongside stirfried veggies. Consider adding a side of Asian slaw or steamed broccoli to complete the meal. For a full dining experience, pair it with vegetable spring rolls or a light miso soup.
Helpful Suggestions for Perfecting Spicy and Sweet Chicken
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet while cooking the chicken, and work in batches if necessary.
- For a crispier texture, dust the chicken pieces with cornstarch before frying.
- Modify the amount of sriracha based on how spicy you prefer your dish.
- Opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier outcome.
- Allow the sauce to reduce until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in a portion of the sauce for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
Storage and Reheating Advice
This Spicy and Sweet Chicken can be kept fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, place cooled servings in freezersafe containers and keep them for up to 2 months.
When you reheat, include a little water or chicken broth to keep the sauce from getting thick. Heat it slowly in a skillet on medium heat until it is hot all the way through. Additionally, you can also.microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For best results, store the chicken and any sides separately to maintain their individual textures.
