Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and a little bit of heat, you’re going to love this Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe. This recipe brings juicy, tender chicken thighs glazed with a luscious, sticky sauce bursting with vibrant flavors of garlic, ginger, and a playful kick from red pepper flakes. It’s one of those comforting meals that feels special enough for guests but comes together easily enough for any weeknight. Whether you’re an experienced home chef or just looking for a delicious dinner idea, these chicken thighs deliver crowd-pleasing satisfaction every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create that irresistible sticky coating and rich flavor that makes this dish shine. Every element plays a special role, whether it’s bringing umami depth, freshness, or a touch of sweetness and spice to the plate.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (2 pounds): The perfect cut for moist, tender meat that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the chicken’s natural taste.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for searing to create a golden-brown, crispy exterior on the chicken.
- Sweet chili sauce (1/2 cup): The star of the sticky glaze, blending sweetness with a gentle spice.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds savory umami richness and balances the sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Provides a bright, tangy contrast to the sweet elements.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Gives a natural sweetness that helps achieve that sticky texture.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh and aromatic, it infuses the sauce with depth and warmth.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Adds a zesty, slightly spicy note that lifts the flavor profile.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Optional for those who like an extra bit of heat to brighten the dish.
- Sliced green onions: Used as a fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and a mild bite.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted for a nutty crunch and a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning sets the base for all the delicious layers of flavor to come.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken thighs and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and adds texture, making the dish extra satisfying.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce
While the chicken is searing, mix the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. This sticky, flavorful sauce will coat your chicken with irresistible glaze and a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Once the chicken is beautifully seared, pour the sauce evenly over the thighs in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking through, and the sauce will bubble and thicken into that signature sticky glaze. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!
Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving
When finished baking, spoon some of the extra sauce from the skillet over each piece of chicken for maximum flavor. Then sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds generously on top to add freshness and a delicate crunch. Now your Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe is ready to wow everyone at your table!
How to Serve Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sliced green onions offer a crisp, slightly sharp contrast to the luscious sauce, while toasted sesame seeds introduce a delightful nutty crunch. These small touches elevate the dish visually and tastefully, making it feel truly special with every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these sticky, flavorful chicken thighs with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati to soak up every bit of the savory sauce. Lightly sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add vibrant color and a fresh balance to the dish, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe on a bed of garlic-infused noodles or tossed with crunchy Asian slaw for a twist. For a party, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks alongside dipping sauce for a fun, shareable appetizer that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe should be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy lunch or dinner option when you want something flavorful without starting from scratch.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, it freezes quite well. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to best preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, spooning the sauce over the meat to keep it moist and sticky. Avoid the microwave when possible to maintain that crisp, sticky exterior and fresh flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs will add extra flavor and stay juicy, but be sure to adjust the cooking time upwards by about 5 to 10 minutes to ensure they cook through completely.
Is this recipe very spicy?
No, this Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe is designed to have a gentle heat that balances the sweetness. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check that your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to get a sticky glaze?
The combination of honey, sweet chili sauce, and baking in the oven causes the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken beautifully. Make sure to bake uncovered to allow the sauce to reduce and develop that perfect sticky texture.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of baking?
Yes! You can simmer the chicken covered in the sauce on the stovetop over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through and the sauce is thick and sticky. This method works well when you want to skip heating the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dinners because it’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and so satisfying. I know once you try it, you’ll understand why I’m so enthusiastic about sharing it with you. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this warm, sticky, sweet, and savory chicken that feels like a little celebration on a plate. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy boneless chicken thighs coated in a luscious sweet and spicy chili glaze. Seared to golden perfection and baked until the sauce is thick and bubbling, this Asian-inspired dish combines savory soy, tangy rice vinegar, and a hint of ginger and garlic for layers of flavor. Garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a deliciously easy meal perfect for weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear, then season them evenly with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken thighs in the hot skillet and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Make Sauce: While the chicken is searing, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until well combined.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the seared chicken thighs in the skillet. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, becoming bubbly and sticky.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon some of the sticky sauce from the pan over the chicken thighs. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- You can cook this dish entirely on the stovetop by simmering the seasoned chicken in the sauce over low heat, covered, for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked and sauce thickened.
- For a complete meal, serve with steamed jasmine rice or noodles and a side of stir-fried or steamed vegetables.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preference for spice heat or omit for a milder dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
