Description
Mexican-inspired Sweet and Spicy Chicken Delight promises a flavor explosion that dances across palates with bold, tantalizing notes. Succulent chicken glazed in a perfect balance of heat and sweetness promises an unforgettable culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets (or thighs)
Sauce Ingredients:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
Thickening Agent:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Season the chicken fillets generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage on both surfaces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling environment for perfect searing.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Verify the chicken’s doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then transfer to a separate plate.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and introduce minced garlic and grated ginger, releasing their aromatic essence for roughly 1 minute.
- Pour honey, soy sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar into the skillet, creating a vibrant, glossy mixture.
- Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and slightly condense.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for an additional layer of heat and complexity.
- Dissolve cornstarch in water, then gently incorporate into the simmering sauce while continuously stirring.
- Allow the sauce to thicken for 1-2 minutes, achieving a luxurious, clingy consistency.
- Reintroduce the chicken to the skillet, thoroughly coating each piece with the glossy, spicy sauce.
- Let the chicken simmer for a final 3-4 minutes, enabling it to absorb the rich, complex flavors completely.
Notes
- Perfectly balance sweet and spicy flavors by adjusting sriracha and honey quantities to your personal taste preference.
- Ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness and guarantee juicy, tender meat.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise temperature checking, avoiding overcooking which can dry out chicken.
- Choose high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic for enhanced depth of flavor in the sauce.
- Cornstarch acts as a natural thickening agent, creating a glossy and rich sauce that clings beautifully to chicken.
- Serve immediately after cooking to maintain optimal texture and temperature of the chicken and sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg