Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe

There is something incredibly satisfying about the combination of rich, juicy chicken thighs coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce that dances between sweet and spicy. This Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe brings that perfect balance right to your dinner table, offering a dish that is not only delicious but also wonderfully easy to prepare. With its crispy skin and sticky, tangy chili glaze, this recipe is bound to become a favorite for any night of the week when you want to impress with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe lies in a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each add their special touch. From the crispy chicken skin to the vibrant sweetness and heat in the sauce, these ingredients come together to create a palate-pleasing harmony.

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These give you juicy meat and crispy skin that hold up beautifully to baking.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve that golden sear on the chicken skin.
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce: The star of the glaze, providing sweet heat and sticky texture.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds depth and a touch of savory umami.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Offers a bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Enhances the sticky sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with warmth and aroma.
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds subtle heat and fresh zest.
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives an optional kick of spice for those who like it hot.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To season the chicken perfectly before cooking.
• Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish: Add crunch, color, and a finishing touch of flavor.

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). This ensures that your chicken gets perfectly cooked with a crispy skin. Pat each chicken thigh dry with paper towels—this step is key for crispiness—then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. These simple steps lay the foundation for the luscious final dish.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan, cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes to achieve a beautiful golden crust. Flip the thighs and cook another 2 minutes; this initial sear locks in all the juices you’ll crave.

Step 3: Make the Sticky Sauce

While the chicken is searing, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This simple mix packs an incredible burst of flavor into every bite, balancing sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy notes perfectly.

Step 4: Coat and Bake the Chicken

Pour the sauce over the seared chicken thighs right in the skillet. Use a spoon to coat each piece thoroughly, making sure all that goodness clings to the meat. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Don’t forget to baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through baking to build that irresistibly sticky glaze.

Step 5: Final Garnish and Serve

Once your chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened into a beautiful, bubbling glaze, remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top to add fresh flavor, color, and a little crunch. Now, your Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe is ready to impress.

How to Serve Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe

Garnishes

Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds are absolute game-changers here. They add a mild oniony brightness and a nutty crunch that perfectly complement the sticky, rich sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime can also brighten the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe pairs spectacularly with fragrant jasmine rice or steamed basmati to soak up that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas add a lovely variety in texture and keep the meal balanced and satisfying. For a low-carb option, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad.

Creative Ways to Present

You can plate this dish family-style, setting the skillet right in the center of the table so everyone can dive in. Alternatively, serve the chicken over a bed of rice or noodles and drizzle extra sauce on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens also amps up the elegance if you’re serving guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to include a bit of the sauce to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. This way, your next meal is just as delicious with minimal effort.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken thighs in their sauce for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, spooning the sticky sauce over the chicken to refresh the glaze. Alternatively, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving directly to preserve the crispness of the skin and the sauce’s texture.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs work well and cook a bit faster, so reduce baking time by about 5 to 10 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid drying out since boneless cuts cook more quickly.

Is there a substitute for sweet chili sauce?

If you don’t have sweet chili sauce on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing chili garlic sauce with honey and a little rice vinegar. This combo recreates the sweet-spicy-tangy profile but having the ready-made sauce definitely saves time.

How spicy is this dish?

The base recipe is mildly spicy thanks to the sweet chili sauce. If you prefer more heat, simply add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. You can easily adjust according to your taste preferences.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check that the sweet chili sauce is gluten-free, which many brands offer. This keeps the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing flavor.

What’s the best way to get crispy skin on chicken thighs?

Patting the chicken completely dry before seasoning, using enough oil to sear, and not overcrowding the skillet ensures crisp skin. Starting skin-side down and leaving it undisturbed for several minutes helps the skin render fat and caramelize perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe brings together everything you want from a comforting yet exciting meal: crispy skin, juicy tender meat, and a sticky, flavorful sauce that keeps you coming back for more. It’s wonderfully approachable, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends and family. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to chicken recipes in no time.

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.3 from 54 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Dairy-Free

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Description

These Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are a mouthwatering dinner recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs baked to perfection in a sticky, sweet, and spicy chili sauce. Perfectly seared skin delivers a crispy texture complemented by a flavorful Asian-inspired glaze, making it an easy and delicious weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

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Chicken

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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 crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken thighs.
2. Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and crispiness.
3. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat.
4. Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional crushed red pepper flakes until combined.
5. Coat Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the seared chicken thighs in the skillet. Use a spoon to coat each piece thoroughly with the sauce.
6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting the chicken with the sauce halfway through baking, until chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is sticky and bubbling.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish the chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot for an irresistible meal.

Notes

• This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• For extra heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
• Boneless chicken thighs can be substituted; adjust cooking time accordingly since they cook faster.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired