If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor while staying irresistibly juicy, then you must try this Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe. Each succulent chicken thigh is cloaked in a sticky glaze balancing sweet honey, spicy chili, and savory soy, creating a mouthwatering harmony that feels both comforting and exciting. With crispy skin and tender meat infused with fragrant garlic and ginger, this recipe is a perfect weeknight winner that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each bring a special something to the table. From enriching the flavor depth to adding irresistible texture and vibrant color, every item plays a key role in crafting the ultimate sticky glaze and perfectly cooked chicken.
- Chicken thighs: Bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor and crispy skin.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that golden sear on the chicken skin.
- Soy sauce: Adds savory umami and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness and a wonderful sticky texture.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings a sweet-heat kick essential for that chili flair.
- Rice vinegar: Adds acidity to brighten and balance the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced for pungent, warming aroma and flavor.
- Ginger: Freshly grated to add a zesty, aromatic layer.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to cling beautifully to the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance natural flavors.
- Sesame oil: Drizzled at the end for a toasty, nutty finish.
- Green onions: Freshly sliced for color, crunch, and freshness.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted for an extra nutty crunch and pretty garnish.
How to Make Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To get that coveted crispy skin on the chicken thighs, pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels—this step is essential because moisture prevents crispiness. Then, season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to build a simple flavor base.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down; sear them for 5-7 minutes until the skin is beautifully golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes. This searing step locks in juices and develops that glorious texture you’ll love.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
While the chicken is sizzling, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This combination creates the rich, sticky sauce that will coat the chicken in sweet, tangy, and lightly spicy flavors.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Remove the skillet from the heat once the chicken is seared. Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over each thigh, ensuring every piece is coated with the glossy glaze. Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), making it perfectly cooked and juicy.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
After baking, take the skillet out of the oven and drizzle the fragrant sesame oil over the chicken thighs. Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a lovely contrast in flavor and texture. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow all those flavorful juices to redistribute. Your Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe is now ready to wow!
How to Serve Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, crunchy green onions provide a refreshing bite that cuts through the richness of the sticky glaze. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle nuttiness and satisfying crunch, elevating each bite with a bit of texture and visual appeal. Optional chili flakes can be sprinkled on for those who want an extra spicy dimension.
Side Dishes
This Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice to soak up the sauce. Stir-fried vegetables or a crisp Asian slaw add freshness and balance to the meal, while roasted sweet potatoes can bring a complementary sweetness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family meal, serve the chicken over a bed of noodles tossed with sesame oil and scallions. Alternatively, chop the cooked thighs and toss them into a vibrant salad with crunchy greens and a citrus dressing. Wrapping the chicken in lettuce leaves for a finger-friendly dish is another fantastic, fresh way to enjoy this delicious Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining much of their flavor and tenderness. Just make sure the chicken has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes beautifully. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. The Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months, ready to brighten up any busy weeknight.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, which helps maintain the crispiness of the skin. Alternatively, use your oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it tends to make the skin soggy.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs can be used for quicker cooking, but the bone-in, skin-on version adds more flavor and juiciness, especially with the crispy skin that this recipe celebrates.
Is the sauce very spicy?
The sauce has a mild to medium heat thanks to the sweet chili sauce—it’s more sweet and tangy than fiery. You can adjust the kick by adding more chili sauce or flakes if you prefer extra spice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep this Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What sides go best with this chicken?
Light, fresh sides like steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad complement the rich, sticky chicken perfectly and round out the meal beautifully.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
This recipe does not require marinating, but if you want extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. Just be sure to pat the skin dry before searing for crispiness.
Final Thoughts
There is something so delightful about the way sweet, tangy, and spicy notes come together in this Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe. It’s a recipe that feels special yet is downright easy, perfect for impressing others or simply treating yourself. I can’t recommend it enough for your next dinner adventure—once you try it, this dish will no doubt become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs with crispy skin, smothered in a flavorful, sticky sweet chili sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of rice vinegar. The dish is seared on the stovetop to develop a crispy skin then baked to perfection. Finished with sesame oil, green onions, and sesame seeds, this crowd-pleasing dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is ready when your chicken is prepared.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve crispy skin. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until smooth and combined.
- Add Sauce & Bake: Remove skillet from heat and pour the sauce mixture evenly over the seared chicken thighs. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare Garnish: While the chicken bakes, slice the green onions and set aside for garnish.
- Finish: After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and drizzle sesame oil over the chicken. Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds atop the chicken to add flavor and texture.
- Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, then serve with your choice of sides and enjoy the flavorful, sticky chicken.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before searing is crucial for crispy skin.
- Use an ovenproof skillet to avoid transferring chicken and sauce to another dish.
- The sauce contains cornstarch which thickens during baking to create a sticky glaze.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted with boneless if preferred but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
