Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are a tasty treat that’s packed with flavor! The sweet chili sauce gives the chicken a delightful glaze that’s hard to resist.
Making these thighs is super easy, and the smell while they cook? Oh my! You’ll want to make extras for leftovers—if there are any left! I love serving them with rice for a perfect meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute them with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be mindful that they may cook faster.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce provides that sticky, sweet goodness. If you don’t have it, you can mix equal parts honey and hot sauce to mimic the flavor, or use a homemade chili sauce with sugar. I often use a store-bought variation that’s less spicy for a milder flavor.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds depth to the marinade. For a gluten-free option, swap in tamari sauce or coconut aminos. Personally, I like to use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish balanced.
Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness. You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar if you want a different flavor, while still keeping it sweet.
Rice Vinegar: This ingredient gives a tangy touch. If you don’t have any, white vinegar will work, but use a little less since it’s stronger. I sometimes use apple cider vinegar for its milder taste.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Marinade?
Marinating chicken not only flavors it but also keeps it moist. Proper marination can significantly enhance the taste. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper before adding them to the marinade. This helps the flavors penetrate better.
- Seal the chicken and marinade in a resealable bag or dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Less time still infuses flavor, but longer allows it to fully soak in.
- Remember to let excess marinade drip off before cooking to prevent flare-ups on the grill.
Letting it rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more succulent!
How to Make Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked rice
- Cucumber slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Once everything is ready, cooking will take about 15 minutes. In total, you can have this delicious meal ready in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Mix everything well until it’s nicely blended. This mixture will give your chicken a wonderful flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Season the chicken thighs with a little salt and pepper. Place the thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece of chicken is well-coated in the sauce. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have extra time, marinating for up to 2 hours will make it even tastier!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Don’t forget to baste the chicken with the remaining marinade while it cooks for extra flavor!
4. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill or skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Serve the sticky sweet chili chicken thighs over a bed of cooked rice, with cucumber slices on the side for a refreshing crunch. You can drizzle any leftover sauce over the chicken if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs will work just fine. Just remember that they will take a bit longer to cook, about 8-10 minutes per side, depending on the heat level. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What Can I Use Instead of Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can work well. You can also use brown sugar mixed with a bit of water to achieve a similar sweetness. Just keep in mind that these may alter the flavor slightly, but they’ll still taste delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
