sweet spicy chicken recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best sweet spicy chicken recipe

I’ve been making this sweet spicy chicken recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors is just right, and the chicken turns out so tender and juicy every time.

I love that it’s not too spicy, so even my kids can enjoy it. We make it for special occasions like holidays and birthdays, but also for a quick weeknight dinner.

I’ve tried many different variations over the years, but this one remains my favorite. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes, then grill or bake until cooked through.

It’s a great way to get a little flavor into your meal without having to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, the leftovers are just as good as the first time around – perfect for packing into lunches or using as a snack later in the day.

Sweet Spicy Chicken

4.6 from 1177 votes

Sweet Spicy Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the heat of chili peppers with the sweetness of honey and brown sugar. The chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it a perfect main course for any meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Sriracha
1 clove garlic, minced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a small bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
4Mix well until you have a smooth paste.
5Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts.
6Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
7Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
8Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
9Place the seared chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
10Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
11While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce by combining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, soy sauce, Sriracha, and minced garlic in a small saucepan.
12Heat the sauce over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
13Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
14Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and brush the sauce generously over the chicken.
15Serve the sweet spicy chicken hot, with any remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Enjoy!

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference. For a healthier option, you can use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of honey.

Watch Video Of How Sweet Spicy Chicken Works

This sweet spicy chicken recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make ahead of time and reheat when needed.

Try serving it with steamed vegetables or rice for a well-rounded meal. For storage ideas, consider freezing individual portions after cooking for up to 3 months.

When reheating, make sure to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also use leftover sweet spicy chicken in salads or wraps for added flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Spicy Chicken

Q: What is sweet spicy chicken?

Sweet spicy chicken is a dish that combines the sweetness of honey or sugar with the heat of red pepper flakes or hot sauce. It’s a popular variation on traditional chicken recipes that adds a new level of flavor.

Q: What ingredients do I need to make sweet spicy chicken?

You’ll need chicken breasts or thighs, soy sauce, honey or sugar, garlic, red pepper flakes or hot sauce, olive oil, and any desired spices or herbs. You can adjust the level of heat to your taste by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

Q: How do I marinate the chicken?

In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Q: Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute beef, pork, or even tofu for the chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Is this recipe healthy?

This recipe is relatively healthy compared to other fried chicken dishes. The soy sauce and honey add natural sweetness without adding refined sugars. However, if you’re watching your sodium intake, be mindful of the amount of soy sauce used.

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