Description
Looking for a dinner that hits every flavor note? This Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken is your answer. With tender chicken glazed in a sticky, caramelized sauce made from garlic, chilies, soy, and lime, it brings all the bold flavor of Thai cuisine into a quick dinner idea that works perfectly for weeknights or when you want to impress. Serve it over jasmine rice for a mouthwatering, easy dinner recipe that’s sweet, spicy, and unforgettable. Whether you’re after bold food ideas, fast meal prep, or just something new for your weekly rotation, this healthy-ish Asian dish delivers every time.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon soy sauce
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic (minced or grated)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
2 red Thai chilies (finely chopped)
1 lime (zest and juice)
Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Sliced red chilies (for garnish)
Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Combine chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and marinate for 10 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together all sauce ingredients: soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, Thai sweet chili sauce, red chilies, lime zest, and juice.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. Remove chicken and set aside. Pour the sauce into the same skillet and simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and toss in the sauce. Let simmer together for 2 minutes to coat evenly.
6. Garnish with cilantro, red chilies, sesame seeds, and lime wedges. Serve with jasmine rice.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for the best texture—they stay juicy and flavorful even after high-heat cooking.
Don’t skip the cornstarch marinade—it creates a perfect golden crust.
The sauce thickens quickly. Simmer only for a couple of minutes to prevent burning or over-reduction.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: sweet and spicy chicken, Thai chicken, easy dinner, quick dinner, healthy Thai recipe, food ideas