Zesty Sweet & Spicy Thai Chicken Recipe: A Flavor Adventure

Sizzling aromas of Thai chicken recipe dance through the kitchen, promising a culinary adventure that tantalizes every taste bud.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a vibrant blend of bold seasonings that awaken the senses.

Chili peppers and fragrant herbs create a symphony of flavors that will make your mouth water.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between heat and sweetness, challenging traditional dinner expectations.

The recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

Spice levels can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, making this dish versatile and exciting.

Let’s find out this mouthwatering experience that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining sensation.

Tips for Getting the Sauce Just Right

• Marinate chicken overnight in the glaze for deeper, more intense Thai-inspired taste profiles.
• Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or pork for delightful alternative protein options that absorb the spicy-sweet sauce wonderfully.
• Adjust sriracha and chili flakes to create mild, medium, or fiery hot versions perfect for different heat tolerances in your family or friend group.
• Pickled vegetables can be prepared up to 5 days in advance, allowing flavors to develop and saving precious cooking time when you're ready to prepare the main dish.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, green onions, or toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture, color, and authentic Southeast Asian flair that elevates the entire meal presentation.

Serving Suggestions for Thai Chicken Dishes

• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack this sweet and spicy chicken with chilled pickled veggies in a portable container for a delightful outdoor meal that will impress friends and family.
• Rice Bowl Remix: Layer fluffy jasmine rice in a bowl, top with sliced chicken, drizzle extra glaze, and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Wrap it Up: Create a tasty Thai-inspired wrap by rolling the chicken, pickled veggies, and a dollop of sriracha mayo in a soft tortilla or lettuce leaf for a quick lunch option.
• Salad Sensation: Transform the chicken into a light meal by slicing it over a crisp green salad with cucumber, carrots, and a drizzle of the sweet and spicy glaze as dressing.

Keeping Thai Chicken Fresh for Lunch

• Refrigerator Ready Portions: Slice cooked chicken and store in airtight containers for quick lunch meal prep. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days with maximum flavor retention.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months without compromising taste or texture. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Glaze Management: Store extra glaze separately in sealed glass containers. Refrigerated glaze stays delicious for one week, perfect for additional cooking or quick sauce drizzling.
• Temperature Conscious Reheating: Warm leftover chicken gently in skillet or microwave, adding small splash of glaze to maintain moisture. Aim for internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety and prevent dryness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken

• Chicken Tenderloins, Breasts, or Thighs: Select fresh, tender cuts with minimal fat for juicy and succulent results, preferring organic or free-range options for richer flavor profiles.

• Sweet Chili Sauce, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Sriracha: Create a harmonious sweet-spicy glaze that caramelizes beautifully and adds depth to the chicken, balancing tangy and rich undertones.
• Fish Sauce, Lemongrass Paste: Introduce authentic Thai complexity with umami-rich and aromatic notes that elevate the overall dish's authenticity.
• Rice Vinegar, Lime Juice: Provide bright, zesty acidity that cuts through richness and tenderizes the meat while adding refreshing brightness.
• Sesame Oil: Infuse nutty, toasty undertones that complement the Asian-inspired flavor profile and add luxurious depth.
• Garlic: Deliver robust, pungent base notes that intensify the dish's savory characteristics.

• Rice Vinegar, Salt, Sugar, Red Pepper Flakes: Create a quick pickkling liquid that adds tangy, spicy crunch to balance the rich chicken.
• Carrots, Cucumber: Offer fresh, crisp textures and vibrant colors that provide cooling contrast to the spicy glaze.

Tools That Help Cook Thai Chicken Right

• Cutting Board: Large surface for chopping and preparing ingredients safely.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing vegetables and trimming chicken precisely.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate for measuring glaze and pickling ingredients.
• Skillet or Grill Pan: Perfect for stovetop cooking chicken with even heat.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for whisking glaze and combining pickling ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending sauces and marinades smoothly.
• Glass Jar: Ideal for pickling vegetables and storing quick pickles.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling chicken during cooking.

Cooking Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken With Ease

• Tangy Vegetable Pickles

Create a zesty pickle mixture by combining vinegar with aromatic spices and crisp vegetables. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate to let flavors develop and meld together.

• Flavor Explosion Glaze

Craft a complex sauce blending sweet, spicy, and umami elements. Simmer until the mixture transforms into a rich, glossy coating that will make taste buds dance.

• Cooking Magic

Select your preferred cooking method – stovetop or grill – to transform the chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Ensure each piece is perfectly cooked and generously coated with the vibrant glaze.

• Delicious Presentation

Arrange the succulent chicken on a bed of fluffy rice, surrounding it with the tangy pickled vegetables. Drizzle any remaining glaze for an extra burst of flavor that will make everyone at the table smile.

Irresistible Thai Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delectable Thai chicken merges zesty flavors from Southeast Asian cuisine. Succulent meat marinates in complex spices, delivering a perfect balance of heat and sweetness for adventurous diners eager to explore global culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) chicken tenderloins, breasts, or thighs
• 0.75 cup sweet chili sauce
• 0.33 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsps sriracha
• 3 tbsps fish sauce
• 2 tbsps sesame oil or toasted sesame oil
• 0.25 cup rice vinegar
• 0.5 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemongrass paste
• 1 tbsp fresh-squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 3 tsps minced garlic
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cup shredded carrots
• 0.5 cucumber, sliced or shaved into ribbons

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Instructions

1. Pickle Preparation: Combine white vinegar, kosher salt, granulated sugar, red chili flakes, minced garlic, julienned carrots, and thinly sliced cucumber in a glass jar. Seal and shake vigorously, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to intensify flavors.
2. Glaze Creation: Whisk Thai sweet chili sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, dark brown sugar, sriracha, crushed garlic, unseasoned rice vinegar, fish sauce, lemongrass paste, lime juice, and toasted sesame oil in a saucepan. Simmer until the mixture reduces to a glossy, thick consistency, stirring constantly.
3. Cooking Method: For stovetop, heat cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and coat with half the glaze, cooking 12-15 minutes total, flipping midway. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting frequently with remaining glaze. For grilling, marinate chicken for 30-45 minutes, then grill at 375-400°F for 10-14 minutes, brushing with additional glaze during final cooking stage.
4. Serving: Plate glazed chicken over steamed jasmine rice, top with chilled pickled vegetables, and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a vibrant, flavor-packed presentation.

Notes

• Pickle Prep Timing: Allow at least 1 hour of refrigeration to develop maximum flavor complexity and ensure crisp, tangy vegetable texture.
• Glaze Reduction Technique: Watch the sauce carefully while boiling, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve a thick, glossy consistency that clings perfectly to chicken.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy, tender meat.
• Marinade Magic: Letting chicken sit in glaze before cooking infuses deeper flavor layers and helps create a more caramelized exterior during grilling or stovetop cooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg