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If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and has that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy, look no further than this Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken Recipe. It’s an absolute favorite of mine because it’s fast, fuss-free, and delivers a juicy, flavorful punch every time. The glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating those irresistible charred edges while keeping the meat tender and succulent inside. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a backyard barbecue, this recipe always hits the spot and never fails to bring smiles around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple yet essential to building those layers of flavor and texture that make the dish so memorable. Each item plays a key role, whether it’s the tangy brightness of lime juice, the warmth of garlic, or the subtle nuttiness from sesame oil that ties everything together.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Choose fresh, good-quality pieces for juicy results.
- Sweet chili sauce: The star of the glaze, bringing sweetness with just the right kick of spice.
- Soy sauce: Adds a savory depth and umami richness to the marinade.
- Rice vinegar: Introduces a gentle acidity that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Honey: Gives a natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze on the grill.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for aromatic warmth and a bit of zing.
- Fresh lime juice: Provides a refreshing citrus note that brightens every bite.
- Sesame oil: A subtle nutty flavor that enhances the Asian-inspired profile.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Vegetable oil: For brushing the grill grates, preventing sticking and enhancing grill marks.
- Optional garnishes: Chopped cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds add freshness and texture.
How to Make Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This marinade is your flavor powerhouse, combining sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy elements that will soak into the chicken and make it sing.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is fully coated with that flavorful mixture. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper, more intense flavor.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Grill
Get your grill heating to medium-high. Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to ward off sticking, which will help your chicken get those perfect, beautiful char marks while cooking evenly.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Discard the marinade (for food safety) and place the chicken on the hot grill. Grill each side for about 6 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You want a nice char and those mouthwatering grill lines that indicate caramelization from the sweet chili glaze.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish Grilling
During the last minute of grilling, brush the chicken with a little extra sweet chili sauce. This extra layer creates a glossy, sticky finish that really elevates both appearance and flavor, adding an irresistible shine and punch of sweetness.
Step 6: Rest the Chicken
Once off the grill, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute inside the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender rather than drying out immediately when cut.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped cilantro, green onions, and a handful of sesame seeds on top for a fresh, crunchy finish. Your Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken Recipe is now ready to wow your taste buds.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds brings a pop of color, texture, and freshness. These simple garnishes elevate the dish from great to restaurant-worthy with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
Serve this chicken alongside steamed jasmine rice, crisp Asian slaw, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. The mildness of rice balances the sweet and tangy glaze, while crunchy slaw adds a refreshing contrast that complements the grilled flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the glazed chicken and serve it on bed of leafy greens with a drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce as a light salad. Or layer it between toasted buns with slaw for delicious Sweet Chili Chicken sliders that are perfect for parties and casual dining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it great for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before packaging to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a microwave or in a covered pan over low heat to keep it moist. Adding a small splash of water or broth while reheating helps retain juiciness and prevents the glaze from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken Recipe, offering a slightly richer flavor and moist texture that holds up well to grilling.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or large portobello mushrooms marinated in the same sweet chili sauce mixture. Grill them carefully to achieve that delicious char and glaze.
How spicy is the sweet chili sauce?
The sweet chili sauce in this recipe has a gentle heat balanced by sweetness, making it approachable for most palates. If you like more heat, consider adding fresh chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Definitely! The marinade can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making meal prep even easier. Just be sure to keep it covered and give it a good stir before using.
What’s the best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked without drying out.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a punch of flavor to their grill sessions. It’s simple, quick, and endlessly satisfying with its perfect blend of sweet and tangy notes. Give it a try — your taste buds (and your friends!) will thank you.
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Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, and citrus, then grilled to perfection with a glossy, slightly charred finish. Perfect for a quick, delicious weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors complemented with optional fresh garnishes like cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Marinade
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Grilling
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped cilantro or green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, lime juice, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through.
- Glaze the Chicken: Optionally, during the last minute of grilling, brush the chicken with a little extra sweet chili sauce to create a glossy and flavorful glaze.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the chicken with chopped cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 4 hours) enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, pound thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or under a broiler.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Garnishes like cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds add extra freshness and texture but are optional.
