The Best Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken Recipe for Busy Nights

Thai cuisine’s sweet and spicy chicken captures the essence of complex flavor dynamics with remarkable precision.

Complex culinary traditions inspire this remarkable dish, blending hot and sugary notes into an extraordinary gastronomic experience.

Traditional techniques redefine ordinary protein into a remarkable canvas of exciting sensations.

Regional spices dance across tender meat, creating layers of nuanced taste that surprise and delight.

Carefully selected ingredients interact to produce a harmonious balance between fiery chili and mellow sweetness.

Global food enthusiasts recognize these flavor combinations as quintessential representations of authentic cooking styles.

Pure excitement awaits in every carefully prepared portion.

Why Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken Is a Flavor Bomb

• Burst with Bold Flavors: Dive into a mouthwatering explosion of sweet, spicy, and tangy tastes that dance across your palate with every single bite.
• Master Quick and Easy Cooking: Whip up this restaurant-quality dish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous culinary adventures.
• Customize Your Spice Adventure: Easily adjust the heat level by controlling sriracha and chili flakes, creating a personalized meal that matches your exact flavor preferences.
• Nutrition-Packed Protein Powerhouse: Enjoy a protein-rich meal with 38g of protein per serving, balanced with vibrant pickled vegetables that add crunch and zesty excitement to your plate.

The Ingredients Behind This Bold Thai Dish

• Vinegar: Tangy base for pickling that adds sharp flavor.
• Salt: Enhances pickling process and balances flavors.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps preserve vegetables.
• Chili Flakes: Adds heat and spicy kick to pickled mix.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth to pickle brine.
• Carrots: Crunchy vegetable that absorbs pickling flavors.
• Cucumber: Fresh vegetable that adds crisp texture.

• Chicken: Protein base of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides sweet and tangy base for glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Creates rich sweetness and helps glaze caramelize.
• Sriracha: Adds spicy heat to the glaze.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic flavor to glaze.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy acidity to balance flavors.
• Fish Sauce: Introduces deep, savory umami note.
• Lemongrass Paste: Brings bright, citrusy herb flavor.
• Lime Juice: Adds fresh citrus brightness.
• Sesame Oil: Provides nutty, rich undertone to glaze.

• Rice: Neutral base that complements spicy chicken.

Quick Instructions for the Perfect Sweet-Heat Combo

Step 1: Craft Tangy Pickled Veggies

• White vinegar
• Salt
• Sugar
• Chili flakes
• Minced garlic
• Shredded carrots
• Sliced cucumber

Shake the jar vigorously until everything combines. Stash in the refrigerator for 1 hour to let flavors mingle and dance.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Glaze

• Sweet chili sauce
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Sriracha
• Crushed garlic
• Rice vinegar
• Fish sauce
• Lemongrass paste
• Fresh lime juice
• Sesame oil

Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer until it transforms into a glossy, thick sauce.

Step 3: Stovetop Cooking Magic

Heat a skillet and add chicken pieces. Pour reserved glaze over the chicken. Cook for 5-8 minutes on each side, ensuring chicken reaches perfect golden-brown crispiness. Drizzle extra thickened glaze on top for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Grill Master Alternative

Marinate chicken in the prepared glaze for 30 minutes. Fire up the grill to medium heat. Grill chicken for 5-8 minutes per side, brushing with additional glaze just before serving for extra shine and taste.

Step 5: Delicious Plating

Arrange grilled or stovetop chicken on a bed of fluffy rice. Generously scatter pickled veggies around the plate. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Dive into your Thai-inspired culinary masterpiece!

Tips to Balance Spice and Sticky Goodness

• Pickle Like a Pro: Let vegetables marinate for at least 2 hours for maximum flavor infusion and crunchier texture.
• Glaze Mastery: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to prevent separation and ensure smooth, even coating on chicken.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe, perfectly cooked protein.
• Marination Magic: For deeper flavor, marinate chicken overnight in the glaze, allowing spices to penetrate completely.
• Garnish with Gusto: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and brightness.

How to Store and Reheat Without Losing Texture

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pickled vegetables separate to maintain their crisp texture.
• Microwave Reheating: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F throughout.
• Oven Refresh: Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange chicken in a baking dish, drizzle with a little extra glaze to keep moisture, and cover with foil.

Dishes That Go Great with This Thai Favorite

• Craft Zesty Rice Companion: Jasmine rice provides a perfect neutral base that soaks up the sweet and spicy glaze, balancing the intense chicken flavors with its delicate, fragrant profile.
• Pour Refreshing Thai-Inspired Drink: A crisp, cold Singha beer or a chilled lemongrass-infused iced tea cuts through the dish's richness, offering a cooling counterpoint to the spicy chicken.
• Brighten with Herbal Side Salad: A fresh herb salad featuring mint, cilantro, and Thai basil adds bright, clean notes that complement the rich, complex glaze and provide a lighter texture contrast.
• Enhance with Cooling Yogurt Dip: A quick yogurt sauce mixed with lime zest and chopped mint creates a smooth, tangy accompaniment that tempers the dish's heat while adding a creamy element.

Unique Twists to Keep It Fresh

• Tropical Fusion Chicken: Replace sweet chili sauce with mango puree for a fruity tropical flavor. Add pineapple chunks during cooking to enhance the sweet-spicy profile.
• Korean-Inspired Version: Swap sriracha with gochujang sauce. Include ginger and green onions in the marinade. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for authentic Korean flair.
• Coconut Lime Chicken: Incorporate coconut milk into the glaze for creamy richness. Use fresh lime zest instead of juice. Add shredded coconut as a garnish for extra texture and tropical notes.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice. Use lettuce wraps instead of traditional serving. Reduce sugar content in glaze by substituting with monk fruit sweetener for a healthier alternative.

Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Thai chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors from Southeast Asia. Marinated in a zesty blend of honey, chili, and aromatic herbs, this dish promises a culinary adventure you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds chicken tenderloins, breasts, or thighs

Sauce and Glaze Ingredients:

• 0.75 cup sweet chili sauce
• 0.33 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil or toasted sesame oil
• 0.25 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste
• 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)

Seasoning and Pickled Vegetable Ingredients:

• 3 teaspoons minced garlic
• 0.5 cup rice vinegar
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cup shredded carrots
• 0.5 cucumber, sliced or shaved into ribbons

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Instructions

1. Craft a tangy pickle mixture by combining white vinegar, kosher salt, granulated sugar, red chili flakes, minced garlic, julienned carrots, and thinly sliced cucumber in a glass jar. Seal and vigorously shake to distribute ingredients evenly, then refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
2. Prepare the vibrant glaze by whisking together Thai sweet chili sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, dark brown sugar, sriracha hot sauce, crushed garlic cloves, unseasoned rice vinegar, premium fish sauce, lemongrass paste, fresh lime juice, and toasted sesame oil in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously until it reduces and thickens to a glossy consistency.
3. For stovetop preparation, heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and pour half of the prepared glaze over the meat. Cook for 6-9 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and baste periodically with remaining glaze.
4. Alternatively, for grilling, marinate chicken in half of the glaze for 30-45 minutes at room temperature. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F or 190-204°C). Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, brushing with additional glaze during the final minutes of cooking.
5. Plate the beautifully glazed chicken atop steamed jasmine rice, garnish with chilled pickled vegetables, and optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for added freshness.

Notes

• Pickled veggies add a tangy, crunchy contrast to the sweet and spicy chicken, elevating the dish’s flavor profile.
• Homemade glaze creates a complex blend of sweet, spicy, and umami notes that coat the chicken perfectly.
• Versatile cooking methods allow flexibility for stovetop or grill preparation, making this recipe adaptable to different kitchen setups.
• Marinating infuses deep flavors into the chicken, ensuring every bite is packed with delicious Thai-inspired seasonings.
• Fresh ingredients and quick preparation make this recipe a go-to for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 110mg