Name: Sweet And Spicy Thai Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon red chili flakes or 2 red chilies, sliced; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner! This Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken is a bold, flavor-packed dish that balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes in every bite. Juicy pieces of chicken are pan-fried to golden perfection, then coated in a sticky sauce that’s rich in garlic, honey, soy, and chili heat. Finished with fresh cilantro, red chilies, and a squeeze of lime, this dish sings with contrast and complexity.

Whether you serve it over jasmine rice, rice noodles, or a veggie stir-fry, this Thai-inspired recipe brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the vibrant presentation is a total showstopper for casual dinners or entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet And Spicy Thai Chicken

Flavor Explosion: A beautiful harmony of heat, sweet, and umami.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for weeknights.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, in lettuce wraps, or with stir-fried noodles.
Crowd-Pleaser: Bold flavors and beautiful plating make this dish unforgettable.
Customizable: You control the spice level to suit your taste.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Non-stick Skillet or Wok: Vital for evenly browning the chicken and creating a sticky glaze without burning.
Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce.
Tongs or Chopsticks: Useful for turning chicken pieces without damaging their coating.
Microplane or Garlic Press: For fresh garlic and ginger, which amplify the flavor.
Citrus Juicer: To extract every drop of lime juice for that zesty finish.

These tools streamline prep and cooking, helping you achieve a smooth, saucy finish with minimal mess.

Ingredients for the Sweet And Spicy Thai Chicken

Chicken thighs or breasts – Tender and juicy, perfect for soaking up the flavors.
Cornstarch – Creates that lightly crispy texture when seared.
Soy sauce – The base of our umami depth.
Honey – Adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes in the pan.
Fresh garlic and ginger – Bold aromatics that punch up the sauce.
Red chili flakes or fresh red chilies – Bring in that spicy Thai heat.
Lime juice – Balances the sweetness and adds a fresh citrus kick.
Fresh cilantro – For brightness and herby contrast.
Sesame seeds – A finishing touch for crunch and nuttiness.
Oil for frying – Use neutral oil like vegetable or canola for crisping the chicken.

How To Make the Sweet And Spicy Thai Chicken

Step 1: Coat and Prep the Chicken

Toss your chicken pieces in cornstarch and a pinch of salt. This step gives a beautiful crisp when pan-fried. Let it sit while you mix the sauce.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili flakes, and fresh lime juice. Set it aside so it’s ready when the chicken hits the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Step 4: Simmer in the Sauce

Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and let it bubble. It will thicken slightly and glaze the chicken beautifully in just a few minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, and sliced red chilies. Serve hot with rice and lime wedges on the side.

Serving and Storing Sweet And Spicy Thai Chicken

Serve this dish immediately for the best experience, while the chicken is still crisp on the edges and coated in glossy sauce. It’s perfect with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or tossed into noodles. A chilled cucumber salad or Thai-style slaw balances the heat beautifully.

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to retain the texture—microwaving may soften the crisp edges but still tastes great!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs give the juiciest result, but chicken breasts will work fine too. Just don’t overcook them.

Can I make it less spicy?

Absolutely! Cut back on the chili flakes or skip the fresh chilies for a milder, still flavorful version.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure the cornstarch is gluten-free.

What sides go well with this dish?

Steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, cucumber salad, or even lettuce wraps make great companions.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

You can, but the texture won’t be the same. This recipe shines when the chicken is freshly seared for that golden crust.

How do I get the sauce to thicken nicely?

Let it simmer in the pan after adding it to the chicken. The honey and soy mixture reduces and naturally thickens into a sticky glaze.

Want More Chicken Ideas with Bold Flavor?

If you love this Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken, you’ll definitely want to check out these delicious dishes too:

Bang Bang Chicken Recipe – creamy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce – a crispy classic with a rich, velvety finish.
Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza – a Mediterranean twist with fresh herbs and creamy sauce.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps – handheld comfort with loads of flavor.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese – sweet, savory, and ultra-cheesy.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the chili? Add extra lime? Try it with noodles?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Want more dinner inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest at Kitchen By Kate where I share fresh, cozy, and creative meal ideas daily.