Description
Sweet Chili Sauce Chicken is a quick and easy recipe featuring tender chicken glazed with a flavorful sweet and spicy sauce. Perfectly balanced with tangy, savory, and zesty notes, this versatile dish can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried to create a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal that appeals to the whole family.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp fresh chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- Fresh cilantro or sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season evenly with salt and black pepper. This step helps the chicken brown well and locks in its juices for tender meat.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh lime juice until well combined, creating a tangy and savory glaze.
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the sauce mixture and allow them to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb all the vibrant flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or heat a skillet over medium heat with the oil. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through, or pan-fry in the skillet until golden and caramelized.
- Glaze and Finish: During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with reserved sauce to intensify the flavor and create a glossy finish. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh herbs or chili flakes as desired. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results compared to breasts.
- Marinate for at least 15 minutes, but longer marinating enhances flavor.
- Adjust chili flakes gradually to control spiciness.
- Reserve some sauce for glazing during cooking to keep the chicken shiny and flavorful.
- Let chicken rest after cooking to retain moisture and tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg