Dinner

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Chicken Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery October 29, 2025October 29, 2025

Introduction

This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Chicken is a perfect blend of bold flavors that come together quickly for a satisfying meal. Tender chicken thighs coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce make it a family favorite any night of the week.

The dish shows many pieces of cooked chicken with a shiny, brown caramelized surface, mixed with bright green chopped spring onions, small orange carrot slices, soft translucent cooked onion pieces, and dark green broccoli florets, all covered in a sticky dark sauce. A yellow lemon wedge is placed at the back of the dish, which is served in a round white bowl on a white marbled surface. The chicken pieces are chunky and coated with visible black pepper and spices, giving the dish a rich look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and ground ginger. Mix well and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and let it simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
Try using chicken breast if you prefer a leaner cut, but be careful not to overcook it.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for a more balanced meal.
If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a good substitute.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. This dish does not freeze well due to the sauce texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up view of a stir-fry dish in a black pan, featuring several layers of cooked chicken pieces coated in a shiny, dark brown sauce. Scattered throughout are bright orange carrot slices, small green broccoli florets, and thin slices of red chili peppers. The dish is garnished with white sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding texture and color contrast. The chicken looks tender and glazed, surrounded by a glossy sauce that pools slightly at the bottom, giving the dish a rich and appetizing look. The background has been replaced with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works fine, but it cooks faster and can dry out more easily, so watch the cooking time carefully.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a moderate heat that can be adjusted to your preference. Remove or reduce them for a milder version.