Description
Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is a delicious and vibrant weeknight meal featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, honey, and sriracha. Sautéed colorful bell peppers and aromatic garlic and ginger create a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Served over fluffy cooked rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish is sure to become your new favorite for quick, satisfying dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb Chicken Thighs
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2 tbsp Sriracha (divided)
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
For the Vegetables and Sauce
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper
- 1 medium Yellow Bell Pepper
- 1 medium Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 tbsp Ginger
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (divided)
- 1/4 cup Water
For Garnish and Serving
- 2 stalks Green Onions
- 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 3 cups Cooked Rice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, half of the sriracha (1 tablespoon), 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, the remaining 1 tablespoon sriracha, and 1/4 cup water. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the marinated chicken thighs in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and browned. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the chopped onion, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and aromatic.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Serve: Spoon the spicy sweet chicken diablo over 3 cups of cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer than 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) can enhance the flavor even more.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute with a milder chili sauce.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender, juicy meat that cooks evenly.
- You can substitute jasmine or basmati rice depending on your preference.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.