Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Recipe

Looking for chicken that’s both sweet and spicy? This sticky chicken is a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, and it’s absolutely irresistible.

The sauce is thick and sticky, coating each piece of chicken in all its delicious glory. I make it when I want something full of flavor that’ll leave everyone asking for more.

It’s super easy to whip up, with just a few ingredients you probably already have. The best part? That sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze that makes every bite incredible.

Let me show you how to make it. You won’t believe how simple and tasty this is! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: One of our readers shared, “I’ve never tasted anything like this! The perfect balance of sweet and spicy.”
• Sticky and Irresistible: The sauce coats the chicken perfectly, leaving a sticky, sweet, spicy glaze that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
• Quick to Make: In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious and impressive meal ready.
• Customizable: Adjust the level of spice and sweetness to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch and store it for easy meals throughout the week—great for salads, rice bowls, or wraps.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: About 30 minutes

Servings:

This recipe serves 4 people—perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week.

Difficulty:

Easy enough for beginners but flavorful enough for seasoned cooks to enjoy.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start, gather the following tools to make your Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken:

• Skillet or Grill Pan (for stovetop cooking)
• Grill (for grilling option)
• Mixing Bowls (for preparing the marinade and sauce)
• Tongs (for turning chicken)
• Meat Thermometer (for checking internal temperature)
• Small saucepan (for cooking the sauce)
• Basting Brush (for glazing the chicken)

Ingredients for the Sweet Spicy Sticky Sauce

To make this sticky and delicious sauce, you’ll need a combination of savory, sweet, and spicy ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish together:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Tenders or Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are great options for a juicy, tender result.
• Salt & Pepper: Season the chicken to your taste.

For the Sweet Spicy Sticky Sauce:

• Chicken Broth (or Water): Adds a savory base to the sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (or White Vinegar): Adds a tangy note to balance the sweetness.
• Ketchup: For richness and a slight tang.
• Brown Sugar (Packed): Sweetens the sauce with a deep, molasses-like flavor.
• Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and helps the sauce thicken.
• Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and a deep umami flavor.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Adds heat and garlic flavor to the sauce. Adjust the amount to control spice levels.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic for an aromatic base flavor.
• Ginger: Adds a refreshing, spicy bite to the sauce.
• Cornstarch Mixed with Water (Optional): For thickening the sauce if needed.

Variations for Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken

• Add Extra Heat: For more spice, you can add extra chili garlic sauce or some finely chopped fresh chilies.
• Use Brown Sugar Substitutes: If you prefer, you can substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
• Increase Sweetness: Add a little more honey if you like a sweeter glaze.
• For a Smokier Flavor: Try adding a small amount of smoked paprika to the sauce for a smoky kick.
• Make it Tangier: Increase the amount of vinegar for a more pronounced tang.

How to Make Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken – Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken. Whether you choose to grill it or cook it on the stovetop, the process is simple and rewarding.

Step 1: Make the Sweet Spicy Sticky Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, garlic, and ginger. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Once the sauce starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly. If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, then stir it into the sauce. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. Remove the sauce from heat and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken thighs with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. This helps to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.

If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375-450°F). If you’re using the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Stovetop Directions:

1. Once the skillet is hot, place the seasoned chicken pieces in the pan. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to get a nice sear.
2. Flip the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Cover the skillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for 5 minutes.

Grilling Directions:

1. Place the seasoned chicken on the preheated grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

After the chicken has rested, brush the sweet spicy sticky sauce over each piece, ensuring it’s well-coated. You can also drizzle extra sauce over the chicken before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken

This chicken is incredibly versatile, and you can serve it in various ways. Here are some ideas:

• On Rice: Serve it over a bed of hot, steamed rice, topped with extra sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions.
• With Noodles: Pair with noodles for a quick and easy dinner. Add some steamed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a complete meal.
• In Wraps or Tacos: Roll the chicken up in a tortilla with fresh veggies, rice, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
• In Bowls: Layer the chicken in a bowl with your favorite sides like quinoa, rice, and roasted vegetables for a healthy and filling meal.

Storing Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken

• Marinade: Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Cooked Chicken: Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to prevent drying out.

Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken – Tips, Nutrition, and Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the full recipe for Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken, here are some extra tips, nutritional information, and final thoughts to ensure you make the most out of this delicious dish!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Get the Perfect Glaze: If you want an extra thick glaze, make sure to simmer the sauce a little longer to reduce it to a syrup-like consistency. This way, it will cling perfectly to the chicken when you glaze it.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Whether grilling or pan-searing, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, so use a meat thermometer to ensure juiciness.
• Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking helps it retain its juices. This ensures the meat remains tender and moist.
• Adjust the Spice Level: The chili garlic sauce gives this dish its heat, but you can adjust the spiciness. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the chili garlic sauce or use a less spicy version of the sauce.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken (assuming 4 servings from the recipe):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	300 kcal
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	3g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	18g
Sodium	700mg

Note: The nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion size. Adjust ingredients accordingly to fit dietary needs.

Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Simply store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat it when ready to serve. The sauce can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge as well.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q: How can I adjust the sweetness or spice?
A: To make it sweeter, add more honey or brown sugar. If you prefer more spice, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add fresh chopped chilies.

Conclusion

Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken is the perfect combination of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a family meal, or meal prep, this recipe is simple yet bursting with flavor. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, so you can enjoy it in different dishes throughout the week!

Enjoy every sticky bite, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family!