Tender pieces of chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. This dish is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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)
Preparation:
step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures quick and even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels; this helps to achieve a good sear.
step 2: Sear the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a good sear.
step 3: Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
step 4: Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
step 5: Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is essential for the sauce to develop its complex taste.
step6: Thicken the Sauce: Whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while continuously stirring. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. The cornstarch slurry acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce its glossy and sticky texture.
step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the sauce, ensuring every piece is well-covered.
step 8: Final Cook: Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through. This final step ensures that the chicken is thoroughly infused with the sweet and spicy flavors of the sauce.
step 9: Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve the Sweet and Spicy Chicken hot over cooked rice, noodles, or a bed of steamed vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, tangy vinegar, and spicy red pepper flakes creates a complex and addictive flavor profile.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the spice level to your preference and serve this dish with a variety of sides.
- One-Pan Meal: Using the same skillet for both the chicken and the sauce minimizes cleanup.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this chicken dish.
Presentation Suggestions:
- Rice Bowl: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
- Noodles: Toss with lo mein noodles, udon noodles, or rice noodles.
- Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli, bok choy, or green beans for a balanced meal.
- Lettuce Wraps: Serve in crisp lettuce cups for a light and refreshing appetizer.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will provide the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more if desired.
- Make Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: Chicken thighs will stay more moist during the cooking process, but chicken breast is just as delicious!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Estimated, per serving, based on using chicken breasts and not including sides)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Sodium: 600-800mg (depending on soy sauce used)
Conclusion:
Sweet and Spicy Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, it’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different vegetables, noodles, or rice to create your own unique version. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use honey substitute in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use honey substitutes like agave nectar or maple syrup. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile might be slightly different. Agave nectar is sweeter than honey, so you might need to use a bit less. Maple syrup will add a distinct maple flavor to the dish.
Q2: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure you use tamari instead of soy sauce, as tamari is typically gluten-free. Also, double-check the labels of all your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Q3: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately in advance. Cook the chicken and store it in the refrigerator. Prepare the sauce and store it separately. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add the chicken, tossing to coat. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
Q4: What are some good side dishes to serve with this chicken?
A: This Sweet and Spicy Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include steamed rice, stir-fried noodles, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or a simple salad. You could also serve it with egg rolls or spring rolls for a more complete Asian-inspired meal.
Q5: How can I control the level of spiciness in this dish?
A: The spiciness of this dish comes from the red pepper flakes. To control the spiciness, start with a small amount of red pepper flakes (e.g., 1/4 teaspoon) and taste the sauce. If you want it spicier, add more red pepper flakes a little at a time until you reach your desired level of heat. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce for an extra kick.
