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
Scale
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
