There’s something magical about the combination of sweetness and heat. This Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken hits that perfect balance—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky glaze that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide with helpful tips from CookWithKushal (Chef) to make your chicken finger-licking good.
🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra color)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp oil (for pan-searing)
For the Sweet Chili Glaze:
- 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for more heat)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat your chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
CookWithKushal Tip:
Always bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking. It ensures even cooking and prevents the meat from becoming rubbery.
Lightly dust the chicken with a mixture of cornstarch and all-purpose flour. This will give the chicken a light, crispy crust when seared.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large pan or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and sear each side for about 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
Remove from the pan and let it rest.
CookWithKushal Tip:
Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed. A crowded pan will steam the chicken instead of giving it a good sear.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili flakes. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to make a slurry. Add this to the pan and stir continuously until the sauce thickens (about 1–2 minutes).
CookWithKushal Tip:
Adjust the sweetness or spice to your liking. Want more tang? Add a dash of lime juice!
Step 4: Glaze the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Coat each piece with the thickened glaze. Let it simmer together for 1–2 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Slice or serve whole. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot with jasmine rice, steamed veggies, or even inside lettuce wraps.
CookWithKushal Tip:
Leftover glaze? Drizzle it over rice or noodles—it’s gold!
🥢 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy – ready in under 30 minutes!
- Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory
- Crowd-pleaser for all ages
- Can be made ahead and reheated
🔁 Variations & Tips:
- Air Fryer Option: Air fry chicken at 380°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Spicier Version: Add a spoonful of Sriracha or extra chili flakes to the glaze.
- Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken—same method applies!
🧊 Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the glaze.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken is the kind of dish that feels like it took hours but actually comes together in minutes. It’s sticky, spicy, sweet, and utterly addictive.
Whether you’re meal-prepping or planning a special dinner, this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation.
CookWithKushal says:
“Great cooking is about balancing flavors—and this dish proves that a simple glaze can transform everyday chicken into something amazing.”