Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy to make with minimal prep and maximum flavor. The sticky sweet chili glaze clings beautifully to the chicken, delivering a delicious balance of sweetness and spice in every bite. You’ll love how versatile it is—great with rice, noodles, or even tucked into lettuce wraps. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients and comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bone-in or boneless skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic (minced)
- Soy sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Honey
- Rice vinegar or lime juice
- Sesame oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet, skin side up. Pour the sauce over the chicken, coating it evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, basting once or twice during baking, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: Approximately 50 minutes
Variations
- Make it spicier: Add sriracha or chopped fresh chili to the sauce.
- Grilled version: Grill the chicken and brush with sauce during the last few minutes for a smoky twist.
- Boneless option: Use boneless skinless chicken thighs and reduce cook time by 5–7 minutes.
- Sticky wings: Swap chicken thighs for wings and cook until sticky and crisp.
- Vegetarian twist: Use the same sauce on roasted cauliflower or tofu.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat in a covered skillet over medium heat.
Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What is sweet chili sauce made of?
Sweet chili sauce typically contains sugar, vinegar, garlic, red chili, and thickening agents like cornstarch for a sweet-spicy balance.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, reduce the baking time slightly to avoid drying them out.
How do I keep the chicken skin crispy?
Bake uncovered and broil briefly at the end. Patting the chicken skin dry before cooking also helps crisp it up.
Can I cook this in a skillet instead of baking?
Yes, pan-sear the chicken skin side down until crispy, flip, then pour in the sauce and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thick.
Is this dish very spicy?
It’s mild to moderately spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding or reducing chili flakes or using a milder sweet chili sauce.
What sides go well with sticky sweet chili chicken?
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, noodles, or even a simple cucumber salad all pair wonderfully.
Can I marinate the chicken in the sauce?
Yes, marinating for 30 minutes to a few hours enhances the flavor, though it’s not required for a tasty result.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear when pierced.
Can I double the sauce for serving over rice?
Absolutely. Just simmer extra sauce separately until slightly thickened before drizzling it over the dish.
Does this recipe work for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for prepping lunches or quick dinners.
Conclusion
Sticky sweet chili chicken thighs are the perfect combination of bold flavors and satisfying texture. Easy to prepare, versatile, and loaded with sweet-heat flavor, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether served over rice, noodles, or tucked into wraps, it’s a crave-worthy meal you’ll come back to again and again.
PrintSticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
Sticky sweet chili chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and coated in a glossy, flavorful glaze that blends sweetness, heat, and savory umami. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this dish is easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 4–6 bone-in or boneless skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet, skin side up. Pour the sauce over the chicken, coating it evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, basting once or twice during baking, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Broil at the end for crispier skin and a thicker glaze.
- Double the sauce if serving over rice or noodles.
- Marinating the chicken ahead of time enhances the flavor, though it’s optional.
- This dish can be made in a skillet instead of baking—great for summer cooking.
- Freeze leftovers for easy future meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
