Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are an irresistible, flavor-packed dish that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a rich, sweet, and tangy chili sauce. The chicken is marinated or coated in a sticky sauce made with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of honey or brown sugar. After baking, grilling, or pan-frying, the sauce caramelizes, creating a gorgeous, glossy finish that’s both savory and slightly spicy. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness!
I first made Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs when I was craving something bold and flavorful for dinner, and it was love at first bite! The crispy skin and succulent meat are complemented by the sticky, glossy glaze that makes this dish extra indulgent. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is—you can whip it up in just a few steps, and the sauce can be adjusted to your liking with more heat or sweetness. Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are perfect for dinner, meal prep, or serving at your next gathering!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Grilled BBQs
- Casual get-togethers
- Weeknight meals
- Spicy food lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs will quickly become a regular in your kitchen:
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet chili sauce provides the perfect combination of heat and sweetness.
- Juicy Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are tender and juicy, absorbing all the flavorful marinade.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can have a delicious dinner in no time.
- Perfect for Grilling or Baking: Whether you use a grill or oven, the recipe works beautifully for both methods.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less chili sauce based on your preference.
- Delicious Glaze: The sticky glaze makes every bite incredibly flavorful and addictive.
- Make-Ahead Option: Marinate the chicken ahead of time for a convenient, stress-free dinner.
- Serve with Any Side: These chicken thighs pair well with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Grill-Friendly: A great recipe for summer BBQs or grilling parties.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweet chili sauce is mild enough for kids while still packing plenty of flavor.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Chicken Thighs:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sticky Sweet Chili Sauce:
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Ingredient Highlights
- Sweet Chili Sauce: The star of the recipe, delivering both sweetness and heat.
- Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth to balance the sweetness of the chili sauce.
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce and helps it thicken into a sticky glaze.
- Garlic and Ginger: Provide aromatic flavors that elevate the sauce.
- Lime Juice: Adds a fresh tang to the marinade and sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat Oven or Grill: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat your grill to medium-high.
- Season Chicken Thighs: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, lime juice, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or dish and pour half of the sweet chili sauce over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours for more flavor).
Cook the Chicken:
- Roast in the Oven: Arrange marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
- Grill the Chicken: If grilling, place chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
Finish the Sauce:
- Reduce the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, pour the remaining sauce into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, brush the thickened sauce over the thighs for a sticky, flavorful finish.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, and lime wedges. Serve with your favorite side dish.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs:
- With Steamed Rice: Serve with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice for a comforting meal.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, broccoli, or sweet potatoes for a balanced dinner.
- In Tacos: Shred the chicken and serve in soft tortillas with coleslaw and lime.
- With Salad: Top a fresh salad with these sticky chicken thighs for a savory salad.
- With Noodles: Serve alongside soba noodles or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired meal.
- As an Appetizer: Cut into smaller pieces and serve with toothpicks for a party snack.
- With Corn on the Cob: A summer BBQ classic, perfect for serving alongside grilled corn.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- On a Bun: Place the chicken on a bun with pickled vegetables for a tasty sandwich.
- With Asian-Inspired Slaw: Pair with a crunchy cabbage slaw for extra texture.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the chicken enough space to roast or grill evenly.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check for doneness to avoid undercooking.
- Double the Sauce: Make extra sauce if you love having more for dipping.
- Grill or Roast? Both methods yield delicious results, so choose based on your preference or weather.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a sliced fresh chili to the sauce for extra heat.
- Lime and Coconut Chicken: Add coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy, tropical twist.
- Teriyaki Chicken: Swap the sweet chili sauce for teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Honey-Sesame Chicken: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken for a nutty flavor.
- Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken thighs in the final minutes of cooking.
- Garlic Parmesan: After glazing the chicken, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Mango Sweet Chili Chicken: Add a tablespoon of mango puree to the sauce for a fruity flavor.
- Vegan Version: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
- Lemon-Herb Chicken: Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade.
Special Equipment
- Grill or Oven: To cook the chicken thighs to perfection.
- Small Saucepan: For simmering the sauce.
- Meat Thermometer: For checking the doneness of the chicken.
- Brush or Spoon: For glazing the chicken with the sticky sauce.
- Tongs: To flip the chicken easily during cooking.
FAQ Section
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts may dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time accordingly. - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. - Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless thighs, but adjust the cooking time since they will cook faster. - What can I serve with the chicken?
Serve with rice, noodles, vegetables, or a fresh salad. - How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add more chili flakes, or even fresh chopped chilies for extra heat. - Can I use a different type of chili sauce?
Yes, feel free to try different types, such as sriracha or chili garlic sauce. - Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, you can cook the chicken thighs in a skillet over medium heat. - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to preserve the chicken’s juiciness.
Conclusion
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are a savory-sweet dish that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a rich, sticky sauce made from sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of ginger. The chicken is either marinated or coated with the sauce and then baked or grilled, creating a caramelized, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful inside.
The sweetness from the chili sauce pairs beautifully with the salty soy sauce and a hint of tang, making each bite irresistible. For extra crunch and flavor, you can garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. This dish is perfect for serving with rice, noodles, or a side of steamed vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
I can’t wait to see how your Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!