Name: Sweet and Spicy Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless (skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/4 cup honey; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry); Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Sweet and Spicy Chicken is a delicious dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce with the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. This Zesty Sticky Chicken is an easy recipe perfect for weeknight dinners and pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.

Why You’ll Love Sweet and Spicy Chicken

This Sweet and Spicy Chicken recipe is a standout Zesty Sticky Chicken:

Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes for busy evenings.
Bold Flavors: Sweet honey meets spicy sriracha for a perfect balance.
Versatile Dish: Serve as a main course, appetizer, or meal prep.
Family-Friendly: Adjustable heat level suits all tastes.
I made this for a weeknight dinner, and it was the ultimate Zesty Sticky Chicken hit!

Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need for Sweet and Spicy Chicken (serves 4):

For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Optional Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes

Ingredient Tips:

Chicken: Thighs stay juicier; breasts are leaner.
Sriracha: Adjust for preferred heat; start small for mild flavor.
Cornstarch: Ensures tender chicken and thick sauce.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium prevents over-saltiness.
Equipment: Large skillet, mixing bowl, whisk.

Directions for Sweet and Spicy Chicken

Let’s cook this flavorful Sweet and Spicy Chicken!

Prepare Chicken

In a bowl, I toss 1.5 lbs chicken pieces with 2 tbsp cornstarch, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper until evenly coated, ensuring tender, crispy bites for Sweet and Spicy Chicken.

Cook Chicken

I heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
I add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
I remove the chicken and set it aside.

Make Sauce

In the same skillet, I combine ⅓ cup honey, ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sriracha, 2 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp garlic, and 1 tsp ginger (if using).
I bring it to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Thicken Sauce

I stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy, perfect for coating Sweet and Spicy Chicken.

Combine and Serve

I return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
I cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
I garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes, then serve hot over rice or with veggies.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~380 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 35g carbs, 28g protein, 12g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for Sweet and Spicy Chicken

Try these twists on Sweet and Spicy Chicken:

Extra Heat: Increase sriracha or add ½ tsp chili flakes.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Citrusy Twist: Add 1 tbsp orange or pineapple juice to the sauce.
Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle with chopped peanuts or cashews.
Veggie-Packed: Stir-fry bell peppers or broccoli before adding sauce.

Storage

I store Sweet and Spicy Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, I place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, thawing in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, I warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.

Serving Ideas

Make your Sweet and Spicy Chicken a star Zesty Sticky Chicken:

Classic: Serve as Zesty Sticky Chicken over jasmine or brown rice.
Garnish: Top with extra sesame seeds or fresh cilantro.
Pairing: Enjoy with noodles, quinoa, or a cucumber salad.
Presentation: Plate with steamed veggies for a colorful meal.
Occasion: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.

FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about this recipe:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, thighs add extra flavor and stay juicy for this dish.

How do I make the sauce less spicy?
Reduce sriracha to 1 tsp or add 1 tbsp extra honey for a sweeter balance.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce and chicken separately, then combine and reheat before serving.

What sides go well with this dish?
Try white or brown rice, quinoa, stir-fried veggies, or rice noodles.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, then toss in the sauce.

How do I prevent the chicken from getting dry?
Use cornstarch coating and avoid overcooking to keep it tender.

Can I make this dish in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, then toss in sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas work great—stir-fry them before adding the sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, toss cooked chicken in the sauce and warm through for a quick meal.

How do I adjust the sauce consistency?
Add a bit of water if too thick, or more cornstarch slurry if too thin.

Thank you for checking out this recipe!

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Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together the best of sweet and savory flavors. With its tender chicken pieces and sticky, glossy sauce, this Zesty Sticky Chicken recipe is perfect for any night of the week. Serve it over rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love!