Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Spicy Chicken is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the perfect balance of heat and sweetness in every bite. With tender chicken coated in a sticky, glossy sauce made from pantry staples, it’s easy to make and incredibly versatile—great for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Serve it over rice, noodles, or with veggies for a complete meal.

ingredients

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe 10 Sweet and Spicy Chicken is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the perfect balance of heat and sweetness in every bite. With tender chicken coated in a sticky, glossy sauce made from pantry staples, it’s easy to make and incredibly versatile—great for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Serve it over rice, noodles, or with veggies for a complete meal.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken thighs or breastscornstarchvegetable oilsalt and peppergarlicgingersoy saucesriracha or hot saucesesame oilbrown sugarketchuprice vinegargreen onionssesame seeds (optional)

directions

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Toss with cornstarch to coat lightly.

Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches and cook until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, brown sugar, ketchup, and rice vinegar.

Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and glazed.

Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15-20 minutesTotal time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Use honey instead of brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness.

Add chopped bell peppers or broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition.

Swap sriracha for chili garlic sauce for more depth.

Use tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version.

Serve with lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.To freeze, cool completely and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, both work well—thighs stay juicier, while breasts are leaner.

Is this dish very spicy?

You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of sriracha.

Can I bake instead of pan-fry?

Yes, bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, then toss in sauce.

What sides go well with this dish?

Steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables are great choices.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook and store the chicken and sauce separately, then reheat and combine when ready to serve.

Is this gluten-free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and check your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely, if you like it extra saucy or want to drizzle over rice.

Do I need to use sesame oil?

It adds depth, but you can omit or substitute with a neutral oil.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used in a pinch.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Add the chicken back to the pan just before serving and cook briefly to coat without softening the crust.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Chicken is an easy and delicious recipe that satisfies both your sweet tooth and craving for heat. With its bold flavors and simple preparation, it’s a perfect dish to add excitement to your dinner routine. Customize it to your taste and enjoy a meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss.