If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, a perfect mix of sticky, sweet, and spicy, the Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe is going to become one of your absolute favorites in no time. This recipe combines crispy-skinned chicken thighs with a luscious glaze made from honey, sweet chili sauce, and a zing of garlic and ginger that creates a mouthwatering, irresistible coating. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that makes this simple yet stunning dish a winner for weeknights or casual dinner parties alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe is delightfully straightforward, and each item plays a vital role in bringing this dish to life. From the savory depth of soy sauce to the vibrant punch of fresh ginger and garlic, these components transform humble chicken thighs into a sensational meal.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The star of the dish, offering juicy meat and crispy skin for perfect texture contrast.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for searing the chicken and infusing it with a gentle richness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami backbone that deepens the sauce’s flavor.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create that sticky, shiny glaze.
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Provides both sweetness and a mild kick of heat to enliven the palate.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances the sweet elements with a bright, tangy note.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers aromatic sharpness that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated: Adds a warm, slightly spicy zing for extra depth.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the meat.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Offers a toasty richness when drizzled at the end.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Bring fresh color and a mild onion bite as garnish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Add crunch and a nutty finishing touch.
How to Make Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready once the chicken is seared. Then, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this simple step is crucial for crispy skin. Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper to lay the foundation of flavor for the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes until the skin turns a gorgeous golden brown and crisps up beautifully. Flip the thighs and cook the other side for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to lock in all those juices.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This sauce mixture will deliver the sweet, sticky coating that makes the Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Once seared, remove the skillet from the heat and pour the sauce evenly over each chicken thigh. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened into a glossy glaze that clings to the meat.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
When baking finishes, take the skillet out and drizzle sesame oil over the thighs for a fragrant, nutty finish. Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top to add that fresh crunch and visual appeal. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes so the juices redistribute, making each bite succulent.
How to Serve Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds are your go-to garnishes, adding pops of color and texture that perfectly complement the sticky glaze. Feel free to add a wedge of lime or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if you want a bright twist.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed noodles that soak up every bit of that incredible sauce. A simple side of roasted or sautéed vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas, adds a welcome crisp contrast and keeps the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a casual vibe or on a sleek platter sprinkled with extra sesame seeds and microgreens for a dinner party wow factor. You can also slice the chicken and box it over rice bowls with crunchy pickled veggies for a trendy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for even tastier next-day meals.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to preserve the crispy skin and sticky sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the skin rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work well and cook a bit faster, though they won’t have quite the same crispy skin texture. Adjust baking time accordingly to avoid drying out the meat.
How spicy is the Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe?
The heat is mild and balanced by sweetness, thanks to the sweet chili sauce. If you want to ramp it up, add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh chopped chili.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes, you can sear the chicken on the stovetop and finish cooking it in the air fryer. Just be sure to coat the chicken with sauce before air frying for a nice glaze.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, make sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
Don’t waste any sauce! It’s perfect drizzled over rice, used as a dip for spring rolls, or even tossed with roasted veggies for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe, you’re going to wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy enough to whip up any night of the week—plus it always impresses guests. So grab those chicken thighs and get ready to enjoy sticky, sweet, spicy deliciousness that hits every craving spot just right!
Print
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs, featuring perfectly seared, crispy skin and a luscious, tangy sauce made from honey, sweet chili sauce, soy, and aromatic garlic and ginger. This oven-baked recipe ensures juicy, flavorful chicken finished with sesame oil, green onions, and sesame seeds for a vibrant Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish and Finishing
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes.
- Mix Sauce: While chicken is cooking, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: Remove skillet from heat and pour the sauce evenly over the seared chicken thighs, coating them well.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prepare Garnish: While baking, slice the green onions and set them aside ready for garnish.
- Finish with Sesame Oil: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and drizzle sesame oil over the chicken thighs for a nutty aroma and taste.
- Add Garnishes: Sprinkle the sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken to add flavor and texture.
- Rest and Serve: Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes to let juices redistribute before serving. Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy this sticky, sweet, and savory dish.
Notes
- Drying the chicken skin thoroughly before searing is crucial for crispiness.
- Searing chicken skin-side down first helps render fat and develop golden, crispy skin.
- Use an ovenproof skillet to seamlessly transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Check chicken’s internal temperature for doneness using a meat thermometer.
- Adjust honey or sweet chili sauce quantities to taste for sweetness or spice levels.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a crisp Asian salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
