There’s something truly irresistible about sweet, sticky, and spicy chicken thighs. The perfect balance of heat and sweetness, combined with juicy, tender chicken, makes this dish a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a meal to impress guests, this Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

The magic of this dish comes from the glaze—a glossy, caramelized coating of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and honey that clings to each piece, creating a beautifully flavorful bite. It’s slightly crispy on the edges, yet juicy and packed with bold, delicious flavors. Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice, roasted veggies, or even a simple salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✔ Easy to Make – With just a few pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in under an hour.
✔ Perfect Balance of Flavors – The sweetness of honey and chili sauce, combined with a hint of garlic and ginger, makes for an addictively good glaze.
✔ Versatile – Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a fresh twist.
✔ Meal Prep Friendly – It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or lunch the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• ½ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

How to Make Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully when cooking. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Make the Sweet Chili Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 6–7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and pour the sweet chili glaze over the chicken. Let the sauce simmer and bubble, coating each piece as it thickens. Spoon the sauce over the chicken frequently to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 5: Let it Caramelize

Continue cooking for about 10 more minutes, turning the thighs occasionally to coat them evenly. If you want the sauce thicker, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, stir it into the sauce, and let it simmer for another minute until thickened.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Once the chicken is beautifully glazed and sticky, remove it from the heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top for extra flavor and presentation. Serve hot with rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad.

Helpful Tips for the Best Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken

✔ Pat the Chicken Dry – Dry skin means crispy skin! Any excess moisture will prevent it from getting that perfect golden-brown crust.

✔ Don’t Rush the Sear – Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a crispy, flavorful crust before flipping.

✔ Adjust the Spice Level – If you love extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. For a milder version, stick to just the sweet chili sauce.

✔ Use a Meat Thermometer – Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be fully cooked and juicy.

✔ Double the Sauce – If you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice or veggies, consider making 1.5x the sauce amount so there’s plenty to go around.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired
• Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free soy sauce)

Notes

• Skin-on vs. Skinless: Skin-on chicken thighs will give you the best crispy texture, but if you prefer skinless, they’ll still turn out juicy and flavorful.
• Sauce Thickness: If you want a thicker, stickier glaze, let the sauce simmer a bit longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
• Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha if you like more heat. If you prefer it milder, use only sweet chili sauce.
• Make It Ahead: You can marinate the chicken in the sauce for up to 24 hours before cooking for even deeper flavor.
• Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a fresh slaw for a balanced meal.

• Double the Batch: This chicken is meal-prep friendly and reheats well, so consider making extra for easy lunches or dinners during the week.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.

Freezing:

Freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs will cook faster (about 15 minutes total), but they won’t have the same crispy texture.

Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely! Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish, pour the sauce over, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, basting occasionally.

What can I serve with this?

This chicken is fantastic with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, noodles, or even a fresh cucumber salad.

Can I make this less sweet?

Of course! Reduce the honey to 1 teaspoon or skip it altogether for a more savory, spicy sauce.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken, try these other flavorful recipes:

• Sweet and Spicy Chicken
• Salt and Pepper Crispy Chicken
• Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
• Sweet Chili Chicken

Conclusion

This Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs recipe is a guaranteed hit—crispy, juicy, and coated in an irresistibly sweet and spicy glaze. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or preparing something special, this dish is easy to whip up and bursting with flavor.

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