Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Spicy Chicken is a delicious dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce with the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
• Perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors
• Versatile dish that works as a main course or appetizer
• Pairs well with a variety of sides
• Great for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Optional Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Red pepper flakes (for extra heat)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, mix honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
   • Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
   • Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until the sauce is thick and glossy.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   • Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if desired.
   • Serve hot over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Extra Spicy: Add more sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
• Sweet and Tangy: Add a tablespoon of pineapple juice or orange juice to the sauce.
• Crunchy Addition: Top with chopped peanuts or cashews for extra texture.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs add extra flavor and remain juicy.

2. How do I make the sauce less spicy?

Reduce the amount of sriracha or add a tablespoon of honey for more sweetness.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce and chicken separately. Combine and reheat just before serving.

4. What sides go well with sweet and spicy chicken?

Serve with white or brown rice, quinoa, stir-fried vegetables, or rice noodles.

5. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked, then toss in the sauce.

6. How do I prevent the chicken from getting dry?

Avoid overcooking the chicken and use cornstarch to keep it tender.

7. Can I make this dish in an air fryer?

Yes, air fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, then toss in the sauce.

8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas are great additions. Stir-fry them before adding the chicken and sauce.

9. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, simply toss cooked chicken in the sauce and warm through.

10. How do I adjust the sauce consistency?

If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water. If too thin, add more cornstarch slurry to thicken.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together the best of sweet and savory flavors. With its tender chicken pieces and sticky, glossy sauce, this recipe is perfect for any night of the week. Serve it over rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love!

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