Looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet and heat? This Spicy Chicken with Chili and Honey Recipe is just what you need. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that brings a burst of taste to your dinner table. The combination of chili and honey creates a delightful glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This recipe is not just about the heat; it’s about creating layers of flavor that complement each other beautifully. Imagine succulent chicken coated in a glossy, spicy honey sauce that leaves a pleasant kick on your palate. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this dish is versatile and crowd-pleasing.
Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking to add some excitement to your cooking routine, this dish will hit the spot. It’s quick to prepare and can be paired with various sides like rice or a fresh salad, making it an ideal addition to your recipe collection.
Deliciously Sweet and Spicy Chicken
This dish features tender chicken pieces glazed in a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce that is truly delightful. The blend of flavors achieved with chili and honey creates a balance that excites the palate.
The heat from the chili is wonderfully offset by the sweetness of the honey, resulting in a plate that is both satisfying and packed with flavor. It’s a meal that can easily be made at home, transforming your dinner into a vibrant culinary experience.
Marinating the Chicken
To begin, marinating the chicken is a crucial step that enhances its taste. By combining honey, soy sauce, chili sauce, garlic, and grated ginger, you create a flavorful mixture that infuses the chicken with complexity.
Allow the chicken to soak in this marinade for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. This step not only enhances the taste but also helps in keeping the chicken moist during cooking.
Cooking Techniques
Cooking the chicken properly is vital to achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior. Heating vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat ensures that the chicken sears well.
After shaking off the excess marinade, add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s no longer pink, typically around 8-10 minutes. The sizzle you hear as the chicken hits the hot skillet is a sign that it’s sealing in all those delicious flavors.
Creating the Glaze
Once the chicken is cooked through, the next step involves the leftover marinade. Pouring this mixture into the skillet allows it to simmer and thicken, creating a luscious glaze that coats each piece of chicken.
This step is essential for achieving that sticky texture, which will enhance the overall eating experience. As the sauce thickens, it clings beautifully to the chicken, making every bite flavorful.
Garnishing and Serving
Presentation plays a big role in enjoying your meal. Once plated, garnishing the chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds adds a fresh crunch and a pop of color to the dish.
Serve the sweet and spicy chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice, allowing the rice to soak up any extra sauce. This not only enhances the dish visually but also complements the flavors perfectly.
Pairing Suggestions
To complete your meal, consider pairing this dish with a colorful array of fresh vegetables. Steamed or stir-fried veggies can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
A crisp salad can also work well, providing a nice balance to the heat of the spicy chicken. Whether you keep it simple or go for a variety, the right sides will elevate this dish even further.
Deliciously Sweet and Spicy Chicken
This Spicy Chicken with Chili and Honey Recipe features tender chicken pieces glazed in a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce. The heat from the chili is balanced with the sweetness of honey, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Serve this dish with steamed rice or crisp vegetables to create a well-rounded meal that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, chili sauce, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken pieces and coat them well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess, and add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Sauce: Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet and allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 5 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy hot with your favorite side.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
