Quick Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe
I am a fan of salty-and-sweet recipes as well as spicy-and-sweet. There is something about adding a touch of sweetness to salty or spicy recipes that I love. The flavor contrast gets me every time. This is a simple nine-ingredient recipe that comes together in about 30 minutes. The chicken is first seared on the stovetop for both color and flavor, and then it’s finished in the oven. Pair the honey Sriracha chicken with rice, cauliflower rice, steamed or roasted veggies, or an Asian-inspired side salad. This is an easy meal to throw together during the week and everyone loves it!
What’s in the Sweet and Spicy Chicken?
To make the sweet and spicy sauce for the chicken, you’ll need:
Olive oil Boneless chicken thighs Honey Sriracha Garlic Cayenne pepper Green onions Salt and pepper Sesame seeds (optional)
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead?
For this recipe, I used chicken thighs without the skin. Normally my chicken recipes all use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but I figured it was time I mixed it up. You could probably use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts, or with the skin still on, but I haven’t tried those variations. The thighs were juicy, tender, and had so much flavor from that spicy and sweet glaze.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Chicken
This recipe is so easy and ready in about 30 minutes. Simply brown chicken on the stove until it’s nicely golden browned and crispy. While chicken is browning, mix up the glaze which consists of honey, sriracha, garlic, and cayenne pepper. Brush it on and then bake the chicken for about 20 minutes. So easy.
Tips for Making the Sweet and Spicy Sauce
This is a spicier recipe as written, although you can make it as hot or not as you like by adjusting the sriracha and the cayenne levels. If you want it less spicy, omit the cayenne and use half the sriracha. If you want it spicier and like to breathe fire like I do — and you know who you are — you can adjust things upwards as you desire. Like with any spicy food, it may seem a little strong at first, but then you find yourself wanting more. And more. Hurts so good. This recipe isn’t to that extreme but you get the point. The exterior where the glaze is brushed on is definitely spicier than the interior.
More Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes:
15-Minute Orange Chili Chicken and Broccoli – The orange chili sauce is spicy, tangy, and sweet all in one!! The PERFECT sauce to jazz up chicken and broccoli! A FAST and EASY dinner with great Asian FLAVOR!! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes!
Skinny 15-Minute Sesame Chicken and Broccoli – Skip takeout and make this Asian favorite at home in just minutes!! So EASY and HEALTHIER than what you’d get in a restaurant but tastes just as AWESOME!!
15-Minute Spicy Korean Skillet Chicken – Fast, EASY, perfectly SPICY chicken that’s so tender and juicy!! Who needs takeout or a restaurant when you can make this AWESOME chicken at home in 15 minutes!!
15-Minute Chicken, Vegetable, and Ramen Noodle Stir Fry – Don’t call for takeout when you can make this EASY Asian stir fry in minutes!! HEALTHIER and faster than takeout and great for busy weeknights!
Better-Than-Takeout Cashew Chicken – Juicy chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and crunchy cashews coated with the best garlicky soy sauce! Skip takeout and make your own restaurant-quality meal that’s easy, ready in 20 minutes, and healthier!
Easy Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Fried Rice – One-skillet, ready in 20 minutes, and you’ll never want takeout again after tasting how good homemade is! Way more flavor, not greasy, and loads of juicy chicken!
Healthier Orange Chicken — Stop calling for takeout or going to the mall food court and make this HEALTHIER orange chicken at home in less than 10 minutes!!
