If you’re craving a dish that perfectly combines bold flavors with effortless cooking, you’re going to love this Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe. Imagine chicken thighs glazed in a vibrant mix of sweet chili sauce, honey, and a hint of tangy rice vinegar, all kissed with garlic and ginger. This recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a sticky, caramelized coating that’s downright addictive. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings an exciting Asian-inspired twist that’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a celebration of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each add a special touch—from the rich umami of soy sauce to the fresh zing of ginger. Every item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These provide juicy meat and crispy skin, the base of this dish’s delicious texture.
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce: The star ingredient that gives the perfect sticky sweetness and subtle spice.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds depth with its salty, umami richness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a bright acidity to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Enhances the natural sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides fragrant warmth and earthy undertones.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery zing for brightness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing and crisping the chicken skin.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For an optional gentle heat kick.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish: These add a burst of color and texture to the final presentation.
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). Pat those chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this step is key for achieving that crispy, golden skin everyone dreams of. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to make sure every bite is perfectly flavored.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Whisk everything together until well blended. This sauce is where all the magic happens, melding sweet and tangy notes with a spicy touch.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken Thighs
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot oil and sear for 3 to 4 minutes, until the skin is beautifully golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes to lock in juiciness and add flavor from both sides.
Step 4: Bake with the Sauce
Pour your vibrant sauce over the chicken, coating each piece well. Then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce thickens into a luscious, sticky glaze.
Step 5: Optional Broil for Extra Crisp
If you love that irresistible crispy skin, switch your oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, but this step takes the texture to the next level.
How to Serve Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Once the chicken comes out of the oven, spoon some of that sticky sauce over each thigh before sprinkling with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. The garnish adds a fresh crunch and a beautiful pop of color that makes this dish as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Side Dishes
This Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice to soak up every bit of the saucy goodness. For veggies, consider simple stir-fried greens or a freshness-packed cucumber salad to complement the rich flavors and add balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken on a bed of noodles tossed lightly in sesame oil and scallions. You can also shred the leftovers and use them as a filling for bao buns or tacos with crunchy slaw, giving this versatile recipe a whole new creative life.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow even more after resting overnight—making it a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken thighs with sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Label them clearly and allow the chicken to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken to keep it moist, and avoid the microwave to maintain that glorious sticky glaze and crisp skin.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs work well and will reduce cooking time slightly. Just keep an eye on them while baking to prevent drying out, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Is this dish very spicy?
The heat level is mild by default, thanks to the sweet chili sauce. Adding red pepper flakes is optional and can be adjusted or omitted depending on your spice preference.
What can I substitute if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce on hand, you can mix chili garlic sauce with honey or sugar as a quick substitute. However, the unique balance of sweetness and tang is best captured by the original sauce.
Can I make this recipe in advance for a party?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead and season the chicken before cooking. Bake just before serving for the best texture. Alternatively, cook the chicken fully, then reheat and broil for crispiness right before guests arrive.
What sides complement Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs best?
Steamed rice and simple stir-fried veggies are classic choices. For something different, try fried rice, Asian slaw, or roasted sweet potatoes—all pair beautifully with the sticky, flavorful chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe is one of those dishes that makes dinner feel like a celebration. Its irresistible sticky glaze and lively flavor blend make every bite a delight. I can’t wait for you to try it out and discover how simple, well-chosen ingredients come together for an unforgettable meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Print
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs baked in a flavorful glaze of sweet chili sauce, soy, honey, and aromatic ginger and garlic. The chicken is seared on the stovetop to achieve crispy skin before baking in the oven until tender and sticky. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this Asian-inspired main course is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner with a balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 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
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the chicken thoroughly and achieving a sticky glaze.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to promote crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. This mixture will create the sticky, flavorful coating for the chicken.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Bake: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the seared chicken thighs. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened to a sticky consistency.
- Optional Broil for Crispiness: For extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon additional sauce over the chicken thighs before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For crispier skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking and watch carefully to avoid burning.
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs; just reduce the baking time slightly as they cook faster.
- Using an oven-safe skillet allows for seamless transition from stovetop searing to oven baking.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
