If you’re craving a dinner that captures that irresistible balance of sweet, spicy, and succulent, Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are about to become your new favorite go-to. This crowd-pleasing dish transforms humble chicken into glossy, golden bites steeped in a tangy, garlicky sauce with just enough heat. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just treating yourself, Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs deliver restaurant-level flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, with barely any fuss. From busy weeknights to weekend feasts, this is one recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs so special? It’s all about a handful of everyday ingredients, each chosen for the punch it adds to the flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need, and how each one brings this dish to life.
- Chicken Thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum juiciness and flavor—they crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Vegetable Oil: Just a drizzle gets the skins extra golden and keeps the chicken moist.
- Salt & Black Pepper: These kitchen staples bring out the natural flavors and season every bite perfectly.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: The star of the show, providing the signature glaze that’s sweet, sticky, and punchy.
- Soy Sauce: Adds essential depth and umami to balance the sweetness.
- Rice Vinegar: A dash of tang to wake up the palate and cut through the richness.
- Honey: For added stickiness and a delicate floral sweetness that caramelizes in the oven.
- Lime Juice: A hit of citrus keeps everything bright and fresh.
- Garlic: Minced for that familiar, mouthwatering aroma and flavor that rounds out the sauce.
- Fresh Ginger: Brings a subtle heat and earthiness that makes the sauce pop.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Sprinkle in for extra heat if you love a little fire on your fork.
- Chopped Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: Finish with color and crunch, making your plate irresistibly pretty.
How to Make Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels so you’ll get that beautiful golden skin as they cook. Season generously with salt and black pepper. This may seem simple, but taking the time to dry and season the chicken helps the skin get perfectly crisp and flavors each bite from the inside out.
Step 2: Sear for Golden Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin side down, and let them sizzle for 5 to 6 minutes, undisturbed. The goal here is to let the skin render and take on a deep, savory golden hue. Once ready, flip and cook the other side for just another 2 minutes—enough to lock in those delicious juices.
Step 3: Whisk Up That Signature Sauce
While the chicken sears, combine the Thai sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and (if you’re up for a kick) red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Whisk until perfectly blended. This magical mixture is what gives your Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs their lip-smacking, glossy finish.
Step 4: Smother and Bake
Pour your fragrant sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the skillet—don’t worry if it pools at the bottom, the chicken will soak up all that flavor as it bakes. Transfer the pan to your preheated 400°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, spoon the sauce over the thighs a couple of times for an extra-luscious glaze. The sauce will thicken and turn sticky as it caramelizes, coating every bite in tangy-sweet goodness.
Step 5: Broil for Crispy Perfection (Optional)
If you’re a fan of ultra-crispy skin, flip your oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully—this step transforms the chicken into a beautifully lacquered, crackly-topped masterpiece worthy of any dinner table.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs from the oven and generously scatter them with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. These little touches make the dish look as irresistible as it tastes, setting off that glistening sauce with vibrant pops of green and white.
How to Serve Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
Bring your Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs to life with a flourish of chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds right before serving. Not only do these garnishes deliver a splash of color and crunch, but they also add a light, fresh finish that balances the sticky, sweet glaze perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these thighs with fluffy jasmine rice to soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce, or choose steamed vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas for a vibrant, wholesome plate. The bold flavors of Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs love a mellow, starchy side to balance all that zing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping twist, serve the chicken thighs sliced over rice in bowls with shredded lettuce, julienned carrots, and a drizzle of the leftover sauce. Or make flavor-packed lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on meal. The glossy, colorful sauce makes Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs perfect for family-style platters at casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen overnight, so your second-day meal is just as tempting as the first.
Freezing
If you want to make this meal ahead, let the cooked chicken thighs cool completely, then transfer them along with their sauce to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to feast, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight for maximum flavor.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, spooning extra sauce over the top to keep everything juicy. You can also microwave individual portions, but keep the skin side up to help maintain that crave-worthy texture.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs cook a bit faster, so reduce your baking time by 5–7 minutes. Breasts can be swapped in, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking—bone-in, skin-on thighs remain the juiciest and crispiest option for this recipe.
Is this dish very spicy?
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are more sweet and tangy than spicy by default, thanks to the mildness of Thai sweet chili sauce. If you like a serious kick, add more red pepper flakes or a swirl of Sriracha to the sauce before baking.
Can I double the sauce for serving with rice?
Definitely! For extra saucy chicken and plenty of glaze to drizzle over your rice or veggies, simply double the sauce ingredients and follow the recipe as usual. The more sauce, the better around here.
Do I need an oven-safe skillet?
While an oven-safe skillet makes life easier, you can also brown the chicken in a standard pan and transfer everything to a baking dish before adding the sauce and baking. Just be sure to pour in all those tasty pan juices along with the chicken.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the thickest part of the thighs should reach 165°F. The sauce should look thick and sticky, clinging nicely to the chicken. If you don’t have a thermometer, pierce the meat near the bone; the juices should run clear.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs bring guaranteed excitement to any dinner table. This recipe is easy, incredibly flavorful, and sure to earn a spot in your weeknight rotation. Fire up your oven and give these thighs a try—you’ll be hooked after just one bite!
Print
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are glazed with a sticky chili sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Serve this Asian-inspired dish with jasmine rice and steamed vegetables for a delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt and black pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet. Sear the chicken thighs, skin side down, until golden brown. Flip and cook for 2 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Bake: Pour sauce over chicken in the skillet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting with sauce, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is sticky.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Serve with jasmine rice or steamed vegetables.
- Boneless thighs can be used—reduce cook time by 5–7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
