Sweet and Spicy Chicken is a delicious, quick dish featuring tender chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce with the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.
1 1/2poundschicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2tablespoonscornstarch
1tablespoonvegetable oil
1/2teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoonblack pepper
1/3cuphoney
1/4cupsoy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
2tablespoonsrice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1tablespoonsriracha (adjust to taste)
2tablespoonsketchup
2tablespoonsbrown sugar
1tablespoonminced garlic
1teaspoongrated fresh ginger (optional)
1tablespooncornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
as desiredsliced green onions (for garnish)
as desiredsesame seeds (for garnish)
as desiredred pepper flakes (for extra heat, optional)
Instructions
In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce is thickened and glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables.