Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet and Spicy Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of bold flavors, bringing together the heat of spices with the rich sweetness of honey or brown sugar. It is easy to prepare, packed with delicious ingredients, and versatile enough to pair with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients

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

  • Chicken breasts or thighs
  • Honey or brown sugar
  • Soy sauce
  • Sriracha or hot sauce
  • Garlic, minced
  • Ginger, grated
  • Olive oil or sesame oil
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper

Directions

  1. Prepare the Chicken – Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the Sauce – In a bowl, mix honey (or brown sugar), soy sauce, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Cook the Chicken – Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Add the Sauce – Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and stir well to coat.
  5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional) – If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and add it to the pan, stirring until the sauce thickens.
  6. Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice or with steamed vegetables.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Extra Spicy: Add more sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • Mild Version: Reduce the spice level by using less sriracha and omitting the red pepper flakes.
  • Tangy Twist: Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for a slight tang.
  • Crispy Option: Coat the chicken in a light cornstarch batter before frying for a crispy texture.
  • Alternative Protein: Try this recipe with shrimp, tofu, or even pork for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe

FAQs

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. Reduce the sriracha and red pepper flakes for a milder version.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and tend to be juicier than breasts.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple side salad.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook the chicken fresh for the best texture.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.

Can I bake instead of pan-fry the chicken?

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

What’s a good substitute for honey?

Brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave syrup work well as substitutes.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas make great additions.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

A cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) will thicken the sauce nicely.

How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

Use a sugar-free sweetener and lean chicken breast, and reduce the oil amount.

Conclusion

This Sweet and Spicy Chicken recipe is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that can be easily adjusted to suit different spice levels and preferences. Whether served over rice or with a side of vegetables, it makes a fantastic meal for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy a perfect balance of heat and sweetness in every bite!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Sweet and Spicy Chicken is the perfect balance of heat and sweetness! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of spice. Serve it over rice or noodles for a quick and delicious meal!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)

For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

  • Garnish:

    • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
    • 2 green onions (sliced)

Instructions

  • Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  • Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add honey, soy sauce, sriracha, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Stir and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
  • Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens.
  • Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. Let it cook for 1-2 more minutes.
  • Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha and red pepper flakes.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
  • For extra crunch, coat the chicken in egg and panko breadcrumbs before frying.

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *