Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs (Video)

Introduction

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are a delicious and flavorful dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Chicken thighs, known for their juiciness and tenderness, are coated in a sweet chili sauce that caramelizes as it cooks, creating a sticky and irresistible glaze. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a party. The video recipe will guide you through each step to ensure you achieve the perfect sticky glaze.

The History of Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

The origin of sweet chili chicken dishes can be traced back to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, where sweet chili sauce is a staple in many recipes. This sauce blends sugar, vinegar, garlic, and chili to create a versatile condiment that works well with meats, seafood, and even vegetables. While the concept of sweet chili sauce is centuries old, sticky sweet chili chicken thighs as a modern recipe has become popular worldwide due to the ease of preparation and the appealing combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a simple breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

For the Chicken:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (you can use boneless skinless thighs as well)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky touch)

For the Sweet Chili Sauce:

½ cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (for extra sweetness)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for acidity)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated (optional but adds great depth)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for added richness)
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Step-by-Step Recipe:

1. Prep the Chicken:

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This will help the skin crisp up nicely during cooking.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika on both sides.

2. Sear the Chicken:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Sticky Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become sticky.

4. Coat the Chicken:

Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sauce, turning the chicken to ensure it’s evenly glazed. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to stick and caramelize on the chicken.

5. Garnish & Serve:

Once the chicken is perfectly coated, remove it from the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.
Serve the sticky sweet chili chicken thighs with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs:

Skin-on, Bone-in Chicken Thighs: For the juiciest, most flavorful chicken, always use skin-on, bone-in thighs. The skin crisps up beautifully, and the bone helps keep the meat tender.
Adjust the Sweetness & Heat: Depending on your preference, adjust the level of sweetness and spice in the sauce. Add more honey or sugar for sweetness, or extra chili flakes for heat.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute inside the meat, making it even more tender.
Double the Sauce: If you love extra sticky sauce, feel free to double the sauce ingredients to ensure plenty of glaze for each bite.
Cooking Temperature: Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Variations: Add chili paste, sriracha, or fresh chopped chilies to the sauce for an extra kick.
Citrus Twist: Add a splash of lime juice to the sauce for a zesty, refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Oven-Baked: If you prefer not to fry, you can bake the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, basting with the sticky sauce halfway through the cooking time.
Grilled Chicken: For a smoky flavor, try grilling the chicken thighs and then tossing them in the sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to fry or bake the tofu until crispy.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:

While Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are indulgent and delicious, they’re also high in calories due to the sweet chili sauce and frying process. Here’s a general breakdown:

Calories: One chicken thigh (with skin) has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size and preparation method. Adding the sticky sauce may increase the calorie count.
Protein: Chicken thighs are rich in protein, making them a great source of muscle-building nutrients.
Fat: Chicken thighs are higher in fat than chicken breasts, especially with the skin. However, the fat adds to the flavor and juiciness.
Carbs: The sweet chili sauce will add carbohydrates due to sugar and honey, but it’s a small amount per serving.

Healthier Alternatives:

Bake or Air Fry: For a lighter version, consider baking or air-frying the chicken instead of pan-frying.
Lower Sugar Sauce: You can reduce the honey or sugar in the sauce to cut down on the sweetness and lower the calorie count.
Skinless Chicken: For a lower-fat version, use skinless chicken thighs or boneless chicken breasts.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs? A1: Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they tend to dry out faster. You may need to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Q2: How do I make my own sweet chili sauce? A2: You can make your own sweet chili sauce by combining ½ cup of rice vinegar, ½ cup of sugar, ¼ cup of water, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of garlic, and 2 teaspoons of chili flakes. Simmer until thickened, and you’re good to go!

Q3: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? A3: Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and coat it with the sauce.

Q4: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker? A4: Yes! You can slow cook the chicken thighs on low for 4-6 hours, then toss them in the sauce before serving. However, you may lose some of the crispiness.

Q5: What should I serve with Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs? A5: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs (video)

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Ingredients

6 bone-in chicken thighs
1 tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp lemon pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Sticky Glaze
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
3 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispy chicken skin.
Step 2: Season the chicken
In a small bowl, mix the avocado oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this flavorful seasoning mix all over the chicken thighs, ensuring an even coating.
Step 3: Air fry or Roast the chicken
Air fry: Air fry the chicken skin side down at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
Oven: Line the baking tray with parchment paper. Roast the chicken skin side down for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. Flip and roast for 10 minutes until the skin is crispy.
Step 4: Sticky Sauce
While the chicken is air fryer or roasting, prepare the sticky sauce.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce.
Step 5: Applying the Sticky Glaze
Baste the chicken a few times with the sticky sauce while roasting or air frying. You want the chicken to be caramelized. I basted the chicken at least 4 times to get a nice coat of the glaze.
Add more 10 minutes of cooking time to the chicken or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Broiling for Extra Crispiness (Optional – highly recommended)
For an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning and ensure that the chicken skin becomes beautifully caramelized.
Step 7: Serving
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve your Sticky Sweet Chilli Chicken Thighs over a bed of jasmine rice or with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

- For a crispy chicken: Make sure the chicken is patted dry with paper towel.

Caramelized chicken: Broil for an extra 2 minutes at the end to get the chicken extra sticky and caramelized.

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