Name: Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; Sliced green onions; Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Get ready to fall in love with a dish that delivers the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and just the right tang! Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are everything you could wish for in a weeknight dinner—tender, juicy chicken, a glossy caramelized glaze, and enough punchy flavor to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re keeping things casual at home or want a crowd-pleasing main for your next gathering, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a knockout meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of humble ingredients come together to create seriously bold flavor. Each item has a role—whether it’s packing in moisture, amping up umami, or layering on that irresistible sticky sheen—so don’t skip a thing!

Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and the best cut for soaking up all the sticky sweet chili goodness.
Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken beautifully, giving you those golden, caramelized bits.
Salt: Essential for amplifying all those mouthwatering flavors—don’t forget this simple step!
Black Pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and depth to the finished dish.
Sweet Chili Sauce: The star of the show, this brings sweet heat and a glossy finish that clings to each piece of chicken.
Soy Sauce: Adds a lovely savory note and deepens the overall flavor profile.
Honey: Rounds out the sticky sweetness, ensuring every bite feels like a real treat.
Rice Vinegar: Brightens everything up with just the right zip of acidity.
Garlic (minced): For classic aromatic depth, making the sauce totally addictive.
Fresh Ginger (grated): A subtle zing that elevates the sauce and keeps it lively.
Sliced Green Onions and Sesame Seeds (optional): Perfect for pops of color, crunch, and an extra hint of freshness right before serving.

How to Make Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Thighs

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, pat your chicken thighs dry with a few paper towels—dry chicken means better browning! Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to build a solid flavor base.

Step 2: Get the Sauce Ready

In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger until you’ve got a smooth, inviting mixture. This powerhouse sauce is what makes Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs so unforgettable.

Step 3: Sear for Color and Flavor

Set an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and pour in the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken thighs. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until a beautiful golden crust forms—this will add tons of flavor and help the chicken stand up to the rich sauce.

Step 4: Bathe in Sauce and Bake

Pour your mouthwatering sauce mixture over the browned chicken thighs in the pan. Make sure every piece gets a generous coating of that sticky, fragrant nectar. Give everything a quick turn to ensure even coverage, then slide the skillet into your preheated oven.

Step 5: Bake Until Sticky and Succulent

Let the chicken roast for 20–25 minutes, or until it’s perfectly cooked through and the sauce is bubbling, reduced, and glossy. Baste the chicken once or twice during baking, spooning that magical sauce over the top for maximum flavor. When you pull it out, the sauce should be thick and sticky, clinging to every nook and cranny.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Before you plate up, give the pan a good spooning to capture every last drop of sauce and drizzle it over the chicken. Finish with sliced green onions and a sprinkling of sesame seeds for a dish that looks as inviting as it tastes.

How to Serve Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds truly take Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs over the top. The onions add a pop of freshness and color, while sesame seeds give a subtle crunch and visual flair. If you want a little more zing, toss a few chopped red chilies on top to spice things up!

Side Dishes

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs practically beg to be paired with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, silky coconut rice, or even a pile of buttery noodles to soak up every drop of that addictive sauce. For a fresh balance, reach for crisp stir-fried veggies or a lightly dressed cucumber salad on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this dish into a party showstopper by slicing the chicken and serving it family-style over a platter of rice, or layer it into bao buns with crunchy slaw for a fun twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try piling leftovers into lettuce wraps for a light and zesty lunch the next day—Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are endlessly versatile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve savored your meal, pack any leftover Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen as they rest, so leftovers can be even more delicious!

Freezing

To freeze, allow the chicken thighs to cool fully, then arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so the chicken stays juicy and the sauce keeps its signature stickiness.

Reheating

Reheat Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in a covered skillet over medium heat, spooning a little extra water or chicken broth into the pan to help loosen the sauce. You can also warm them in the microwave, just be sure to cover to avoid splatters and preserve moisture.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in thighs will need a few extra minutes in the oven to cook through, but they’ll turn out deliciously juicy. Just check with a thermometer and make sure the meat reaches 165°F.

How do I add more heat to Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs?

If you want extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce mixture before baking. You can also top with sliced fresh chilies for a bolder finish.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be! Just be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce, and double check your sweet chili sauce to make sure it’s certified gluten-free.

Can I prep the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can whisk together the sauce ingredients up to three days in advance. Store it in a covered jar in the refrigerator and give it a shake before using.

What’s the best way to get the sauce extra sticky?

The key is allowing enough oven time for the sauce to reduce and thicken. Don’t skip the basting step, and if the sauce needs a little help, pop the chicken under the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes for caramelized perfection.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to savor your first bite of Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs—the combo of flavors is truly addictive, and the ease of prep will have you turning to this recipe time and again. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite in my own kitchen!

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a flavorful sticky sauce that caramelizes in the oven for a dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs:

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Garnish:

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
Make the sauce: Whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
Sear the chicken: Sear chicken thighs in a skillet until lightly browned.
Add the sauce: Pour sauce over the chicken and bake in the oven.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is sticky.
Serve: Spoon sauce over chicken and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.