Description
Baked Sweet Chili Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-prepare dinner featuring tender chicken baked to juicy perfection and coated in a vibrant sweet chili glaze that balances spicy and sweet notes. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual meals, this recipe offers a crowd-pleasing, healthy dish with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts, skinless
Marinade
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, honey or brown sugar, olive oil, and optional red pepper flakes until well blended to create a sweet and tangy marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place skinless chicken thighs or breasts in a shallow dish or ziplock bag, then pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld deeply.
- Preheat and Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, occasionally spooning the sticky glaze over the chicken pieces to develop a glossy, caramelized finish.
- Finish and Garnish: Once the chicken is baked through and golden, sprinkle fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley on top for color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juiciness as they stay moister than breasts when baking.
- Don’t skip marinating; even 30 minutes helps the chicken soak up delicious flavors.
- Keep an eye on the glaze near the end of baking to prevent burning due to the sugar content.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking to keep slices juicy.
- Use similar-sized chicken pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh or breast with glaze
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg