Save to Pinterest Tender chicken thighs and crisp-tender vegetables tossed in a bold, sweet, and spicy sauce. This lively, colorful dish is quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
Save to Pinterest If you're looking for a meal that packs a punch without keeping you in the kitchen all night, this Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is the answer. It combines savory soy sauce, zesty ginger, and garlic for a restaurant-quality finish.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken thighs with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- 2. Mix the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, ketchup, garlic, and ginger to make the sauce. Set aside.
- 3. Sear the Chicken
- 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.
- 4. Stir-fry Vegetables
- 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.
- 5. Combine and Thicken
- 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.
- 6. Garnish and Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, over jasmine rice.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time for even faster prep. If you choose to substitute chicken breast, be careful not to overcook it to maintain tenderness. For the best texture, ensure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the ingredients.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can easily adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the sriracha, or reduce the honey to 1/4 cup for a less sweet flavor. Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, carrots, or zucchini based on what you have on hand.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this bold dish hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. The garnishes of sliced green onions and sesame seeds provide a professional finishing touch and a delightful crunch.
Save to Pinterest This Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is a crowd-pleaser that brings vibrant colors and bold flavors to your dinner table in under an hour.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is customizable with the sriracha. Two tablespoons provides a medium spice that most people enjoy, but you can easily adjust to your preference.
- → Can I use chicken breast instead?
Yes, chicken breast works well. Just be careful not to overcook it, as breast meat dries out faster than thighs. Cut it into similar bite-sized pieces.
- → What vegetables work best?
Bell peppers, onions, and snap peas are classic choices, but broccoli florets, carrots, zucchini, or snow peas also work beautifully in this stir-fry.
- → How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply substitute tamari for the soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.
- → Can I prep this ahead?
Absolutely. You can cut the chicken and vegetables, and mix the sauce up to a day in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- → How long do leftovers keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the best texture.