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Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe

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This Sweet and Spicy Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces coated in a deliciously sticky sauce with the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Serve with rice or veggies for a meal that will delight your taste buds!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 500 g (1 lb) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice level)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced


Instructions

πŸ— Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Coat the Chicken:

    • In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Sear the Chicken:

    • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and cooked through.
    • Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

🌢️ Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:

  1. Mix Sauce Ingredients:

    • In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
  2. Thicken the Sauce:

    • Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
    • Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

🍲 Combine Chicken and Sauce:

  1. Coat the Chicken:
    • Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
    • Simmer for an additional 2 minutes until the chicken is heated through.

🍽️ Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve:

    • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
  2. Serving Suggestions:

    • Serve over white or brown rice, with noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Adjust the Heat: For a milder dish, reduce the sriracha or replace it with sweet chili sauce.
  • Make It Crispier: Lightly fry the chicken with cornstarch for a crispy coating before adding the sauce.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.