If you love dishes that pack a punch while dancing on your taste buds with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, then the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight star. This dish delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs enveloped in a lively sauce that blends honey’s natural sweetness with the fiery kick of sriracha, all heightened by fresh garlic and ginger. Paired with colorful, crisp vegetables and served over fragrant jasmine rice, each bite is a fiesta of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right flavors in this recipe is about choosing simple, fresh ingredients that each play a vital part. From the tender chicken thighs to the crisp veggies and punchy sauce components, every element works together to create a mouthwatering experience.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, perfect for absorbing the spicy sweet sauce.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps create a silky, slightly thick coating for the chicken.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the savory depth of the dish.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and balance.
- 1/3 cup honey: Provides natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the heat.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings umami and salty richness without overpowering.
- 2 tbsp sriracha: Infuses that signature spicy kick that the “Diablo” name promises.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds brightness and a slight tang to keep things fresh.
- 1 tbsp ketchup: Deepens the sauce’s flavor with a hint of tomato sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic foundation that livens up the sauce.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds a zesty warmth and complexity.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the stir-fry.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Adds cheerful contrast and crunch.
- 1 small red onion, sliced: Provides savory sharpness and texture.
- 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed: Crisp, fresh little pops of sweetness.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: For perfectly crisped chicken and vibrant vegetables.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Fresh, mild onion flavor for garnish.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds: Adds a toasted nutty finish and visual appeal.
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving: Fragrant rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Make Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
The first step is to get your chicken thighs ready by tossing them in cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper. This simple coating is the secret to that satisfyingly crisp texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender. It also helps the sauce cling beautifully to each bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken marinates in its little coat, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, and fresh grated ginger. This bold sauce is the heartbeat of the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo Recipe — every component contributes a layer of flavor that will make your taste buds sing.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok, then add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5 to 7 minutes until it develops a beautiful golden crust and is cooked through. Once ready, remove the chicken to a plate to rest while you tackle the veggies.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet and toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry these for 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender — you want that satisfying crunch with just the right amount of softness to complement the chicken.
Step 5: Combine and Thicken
Return the seared chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir well to coat. Let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken until it clings tantalizingly to every piece of chicken and vegetable.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Serve your Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo hot over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for that gorgeous finishing touch, adding both flavor and a little extra crunch.
How to Serve Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds are more than just eye candy here. They bring fresh herbaceous notes and nutty bursts that balance the sauce’s heat and sweetness, elevating the dish to something truly special. Feel free to add a squeeze of lime for a bright zest if you’re feeling adventurous!
Side Dishes
This dish shines best when paired with the subtle fragrance of jasmine rice. But if you want to mix things up, steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad sprinkled with sesame and a light vinaigrette would add refreshing contrast without overpowering the bold flavors of the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve the chicken and veggies atop colorful edible lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on experience. Or turn it into a vibrant noodle bowl by tossing the saucy chicken and vegetables over cooked rice noodles and topping with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro for an exciting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo Recipe even more delicious the next day. It will keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. After cooling, place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Keep in mind that fresh vegetables might lose some crunch but will still taste fantastic when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly and refresh the sauce’s glossy coating. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if you’re short on time, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it deliciously saucy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs tend to stay juicier and are less likely to dry out, which is why they’re my favorite for the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo Recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish has a pleasant level of heat thanks to the sriracha, but it’s very adjustable. If you want more kick, add extra sriracha or even some chili flakes. For a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha and balance with additional honey.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your ketchup and other ingredients are gluten-free labeled. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. It holds up well in the fridge, making it a fantastic option for meal prep lunches or dinners. Just pack it with some freshly steamed jasmine rice or quinoa, and you’re good to go!
What can I substitute if I don’t have rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, a splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar will work fine. Just use a little less to avoid overpowering the sweetness in the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a dish that so effortlessly marries spicy and sweet with fresh, crunchy vegetables and tender chicken. I promise the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen, perfect for busy evenings when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch it steal the spotlight at your dinner table!
Print
Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is a vibrant stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a flavorful honey-sriracha sauce. This recipe combines sweet, spicy, and savory elements with crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, and sugar snap peas, served over fragrant jasmine rice for a deliciously balanced meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1.5 lbs 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
- 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
Finishing and Serving
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken thighs with cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl until the chicken pieces are evenly coated. This helps create a light crust once cooked.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Set the sauce mixture aside while you cook the chicken and vegetables.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook them for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender but still vibrant and slightly crunchy.
- Combine and Thicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat all ingredients nicely.
- Serve: Serve the spicy sweet chicken and vegetable mixture hot over cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a flavorful and visually appealing finish.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of sriracha according to your heat preference.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before combining with vegetables.
- Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish.
- Feel free to swap sugar snap peas with snow peas or green beans for variety.
- To keep the vegetables crisp, avoid overcooking during stir-frying.
