There’s something magical about the way sweet, savory, and just a little bit of spice come together in Thai cuisine. One of my go-to recipes when I want something that feels both exotic and comforting is this Glazed Thai Chicken. It’s the kind of dish that surprises you—in the best way possible. The first time I tried a variation of this was at a tiny family-owned Thai place tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. It was one of those places where the food speaks louder than the decor, and every bite tasted like it had been passed down through generations.

When I recreated it at home, I wanted to bottle up all those rich, layered flavors—but with a simple, fuss-free method that even a weeknight could handle. This recipe hits all the right notes: tender chicken, a sticky glaze with a bold kick, and that unmistakable Thai flavor profile. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want to shake up the dinner routine without complicating things.

Whether you’re new to Thai flavors or already in love with them, this dish is a delicious way to bring the taste of Thailand into your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• It’s full of bold, mouthwatering Thai flavors with ingredients you likely already have at home.
• Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
• Pairs well with rice, noodles, or fresh veggies.
• Easily adjustable spice level depending on your taste.
• Makes for amazing leftovers – the glaze just gets better as it sits!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon oil

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

HOW TO MAKE GLAZED THAI CHICKEN:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel—this helps them get a nice golden sear. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy here; seasoning is what brings the flavor to life.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll want the internal temperature to reach 165°F. Set the chicken aside on a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Make the Glaze
In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits add flavor!), combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it bubble for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour it into the skillet, stirring continuously. You’ll see the sauce start to thicken almost instantly. Once it coats the back of a spoon, it’s ready.

Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the glaze generously over each piece. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes, basting the chicken as it cooks. This step helps the glaze soak in and gives it that irresistibly sticky finish.

Step 6: Serve It Up
Serve the glazed Thai chicken over a bed of jasmine rice or noodles. Spoon extra glaze on top and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. The aroma alone will have everyone running to the table.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Want extra heat? Add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of chili garlic sauce for some real fire.
• Make it saucy: If you’re a fan of extra sauce, feel free to double the sauce ingredients. It’s delicious spooned over rice or veggies.
• Cut it small: You can slice the chicken before glazing if you’re short on time or want bite-sized pieces for easier serving.
• Make it ahead: You can cook and glaze the chicken ahead of time—it reheats beautifully!

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stove-top
• Cuisine: Thai-inspired
• Diet: Dairy-Free

NOTES:

Feel free to switch up the protein—this glaze works wonderfully on shrimp or tofu, too. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (approx. per serving):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugars: 14g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and a bit more forgiving if you cook them a little longer.

Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can easily adjust the heat level. Start with less red pepper flakes if you’re sensitive to spice.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos.

What sides go well with this?
Steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a fresh cucumber salad make excellent pairings.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. The glaze may thicken more as it sits—just add a splash of water if needed.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other Thai-inspired delights:

• Crispy Thai Chicken Bites
• Chicken Pad Thai: A Flavorful Journey Through Thai Cuisine
• Creamy Thai Peanut Chicken – A Flavor-Packed Delight
• Sweet Chili Chicken

CONCLUSION

This Glazed Thai Chicken recipe is a beautiful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy—everything you want when you’re craving something flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It brings a little taste of Thailand right to your table, with ingredients that are pantry-friendly and steps that are easy to follow. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to something special, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

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