Sweet Spicy Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Sweet Spicy Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a bold blend of honey, soy sauce, and spicy sriracha. It’s a perfect balance of sweet heat that’s easy to make and sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (or more for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season the chicken thighs evenly with this spice mix.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha sauce, and sesame oil to create the sauce.
4. Step 4: Pour the sauce into the same skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Step 5: In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly add this slurry to the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and coat them thoroughly with the thickened sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
7. Step 7: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the amount of sriracha or cayenne pepper according to your taste.
• Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust cooking time to prevent drying out.
• Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through to retain the sauce’s texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to make this recipe gluten-free.

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild to medium spice level, which you can easily adjust by adding more or less sriracha and cayenne pepper to suit your preference.

Sweet Spicy Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 96 reviews

This Sweet Spicy Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a flavorful glaze that balances honey’s sweetness with bold spices and a spicy kick. The chicken is marinated and cooked on the stovetop, resulting in a deliciously sticky and vibrant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Sauce

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (or more for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry. In a bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Rub this seasoning evenly over the chicken pieces to ensure they are well-coated.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are well-browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha sauce, and sesame oil. Pour this mixture into the same skillet used for the chicken, bringing it to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Thicken the Sauce: In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until fully dissolved. Slowly add this slurry to the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet and toss them in the thickened sauce, making sure each piece is well coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken. Serve hot with your choice of sides such as steamed rice or vegetables.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and sriracha sauce to control the spice level.
• Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
• If you prefer, you can substitute chicken breasts but expect a slightly different texture.
• For gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

Keywords: sweet spicy chicken, honey chicken, stovetop chicken recipe, spicy honey chicken thighs