Description
Embark on a culinary journey with the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Delight, a dish that perfectly balances the heat of sriracha with the sweetness of honey. This recipe transforms simple chicken fillets into a delectable feast with its rich, flavorful glaze. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a more festive occasion, this dish is poised to impress with its vibrant flavors and appealing garnishes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste for spice level)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce. For additional heat, incorporate the red pepper flakes at this stage.
3. Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with water and pour into the skillet, stirring well. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
4. Coat the Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it thoroughly in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors fully.
Servings & Preparation Time
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave, until heated through. Adding a little bit of water or broth can help keep the chicken moist.
Conclusion
The Sweet and Spicy Chicken Delight offers a harmonious mix of flavors that entice the palate. It’s quick enough for a weekday meal but sufficiently special for festive occasions. This dish not only promises a taste adventure but also ensures a visually appealing meal with its garnishments of sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish that is sure to become a new favorite.
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Sweet and Spicy Chicken Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Embark on a culinary journey with the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Delight, a dish that perfectly balances the heat of sriracha with the sweetness of honey. This recipe transforms simple chicken fillets into a delectable feast with its rich, flavorful glaze. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a more festive occasion, this dish is poised to impress with its vibrant flavors and appealing garnishes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste for spice level)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Season the chicken fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce. For additional heat, incorporate the red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Thicken the Sauce Mix the cornstarch with water and pour into the skillet, stirring well. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Coat the Chicken Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it thoroughly in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors fully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes