Sweet and Spicy Glazed Chicken

Introduction

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a sticky glaze with a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. It’s a crowd-pleaser, quick to make, and pairs well with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), pounded to an even thickness
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the glaze:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Sriracha or Frank’s)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with oil for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown (it will finish cooking later).
2. Make the glaze: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, hot sauce, garlic, ginger, and vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring until slightly thickened. Add the cornstarch slurry if needed to make the glaze stickier.
3. Cook the chicken: Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet or leave in the skillet. Pour the glaze over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or simmer in the skillet until cooked through.
4. Serve: Spoon extra glaze over the chicken and serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Sweet and Spicy Glazed Chicken is a versatile dish that can be adjusted to your spice preferences. Whether baked or pan-finished, its caramelized glaze offers a mouthwatering balance of heat and sweetness. Try it for a quick dinner that’s sure to impress family and guests alike.