Description
Sweet & Spicy Chicken Dinner became a Pinterest sensation! Juicy chicken with a balanced sweet-heat sauce, it’s easy and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- Chicken & Fresh Produce:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Sweet & Spicy Sauce Essentials:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2–4 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Pantry Staples:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Optional Extras:
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water (for thickening)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Players:: First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Dice your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch squares. While you’re at it, chop your bell peppers and onion into similar-sized pieces. I always try to get them uniform so they cook evenly – a lesson learned after many unevenly cooked meals, ha! You should hear the satisfying thud of the knife on the cutting board, a symphony of anticipation for our Sweet & Spicy Chicken Dinner.
- The Sauce Magic:: Now for the star of the show: the sweet and spicy sauce! In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sriracha, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic. Give it a good whisk until everything is beautifully combined. I always take a tiny taste here, just to make sure the balance is right for my mood. This is where you can sneak in a little extra sriracha if you’re feeling brave, like I often do! This concoction is what transforms our simple ingredients into an unforgettable Sweet & Spicy Chicken Dinner.
- Sear the Chicken:: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Once it’s shimmering, add your chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want a good sear, not a steam! Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s beautifully golden brown. The smell of that chicken browning? Oh, it’s just heavenly and signals that something truly delicious is on its way!
- Sauté the Veggies:: Remove the seared chicken from the pan and set it aside. Add a little more oil if needed, then toss in your chopped bell peppers and onion. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes, until they start to soften but still have a slight crispness. I love seeing the colors brighten in the pan; it’s like a little edible rainbow. This step builds another layer of flavor for our amazing Sweet & Spicy Chicken Dinner.
- Bring It All Together:: Return the seared chicken to the skillet with the softened vegetables. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Then, pour that incredible sweet and spicy sauce you made earlier all over the chicken and veggies. Oh, the sizzle and steam! Make sure everything is coated evenly. This is where the magic truly starts to happen, transforming separate components into a cohesive, flavorful Sweet & Spicy Chicken Dinner.
- Simmer and Serve:: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is cooked through. The sauce should cling to the chicken, looking glossy and inviting. Drizzle with a touch of sesame oil, then sprinkle with those fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely intoxicating. This Sweet & Spicy Chicken Dinner is ready to steal the show!