Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo

Bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table with Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo. This lively dish features tender chicken thighs and a colorful array of crisp-tender vegetables, all brought together by a bold sauce that hits the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. It's an easy, American-inspired meal that transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant stir-fry in just 45 minutes.

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The magic of this recipe lies in the contrast between the savory seared chicken and the glossy, honey-infused glaze. By tossing the chicken in cornstarch before cooking, you achieve a golden exterior that helps the spicy diablo sauce cling to every piece, ensuring a flavorful experience in every bite.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces), 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Sauce: 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari), 2 tbsp sriracha, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp ketchup, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
• Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced), 1 small red onion (sliced), 1 cup sugar snap peas (trimmed)
• Cooking & Garnish: 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 2 green onions (sliced), 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional), Cooked jasmine rice

Instructions

Step 1

In a bowl, toss the chicken thighs with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, ketchup, garlic, and ginger to make the sauce. Set aside.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and just cooked through. Remove to a plate.

Step 4

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Add bell peppers, onion, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.

Step 5

Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and everything is well coated.

Step 6

Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, over jasmine rice.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To speed up your weeknight cooking, you can marinate the chicken and whisk the sauce together ahead of time. If you have leftovers, they keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just be sure to reheat them gently to keep the chicken tender.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to customize this dish by adding other vegetables like broccoli florets, carrots, or zucchini. For those who prefer a leaner protein, chicken breast can be substituted for thighs, though care should be taken not to overcook it. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo hot over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. The garnish of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds a fresh crunch and professional finish to the dish.

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With 29g of protein per serving and a perfect balance of textures, this Chicken Diablo is a satisfying dinner that the whole family will enjoy. Enjoy the bold flavors of this simple yet impressive meal!

Recipe FAQ

→ How spicy is Chicken Diablo?

The spice level is medium and adjustable. Two tablespoons of sriracha provide noticeable warmth without overwhelming heat. Reduce to one tablespoon for mild flavor or increase to three for extra kick.

→ Can I use chicken breast instead?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well. Cut into similar bite-sized pieces but reduce cooking time slightly to prevent drying. Breast meat cooks faster than thighs.

→ What vegetables work best?

Bell peppers, red onion, and sugar snap peas provide color and crunch. Broccoli florets, carrots, zucchini, or baby corn also complement the sauce beautifully.

→ Is this gluten-free?

Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make it gluten-free. All other ingredients naturally contain no gluten. Double-check condiment labels to confirm.

→ How long do leftovers keep?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if sauce has thickened too much.

→ Can I make it less sweet?

Reduce honey from 1/3 cup to 1/4 cup for a more savory profile. The sriracha and soy sauce flavors will become more prominent.