Introduction

Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is a vibrant, flavorful dish that perfectly balances heat and sweetness. Tender chicken thighs are cooked with colorful bell peppers and a bold, glossy sauce that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. It’s a quick and delicious meal ideal for weeknight dinners.

The image shows four round, dark brown, crispy patties with a slightly charred texture, sitting in a thick, creamy orange sauce that coats the bottom of a black skillet. Each patty is topped with finely chopped green onions and small pieces of reddish caramelized onions, adding pops of bright green and deep red colors. The sauce looks rich and smooth, pooling around the patties and glistening under the light. The background features a soft blur with a white marbled texture visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sriracha, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, the remaining 2 1/2 teaspoons sriracha, and 2 tablespoons water. Set the sauce aside.
Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add the onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 6: Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 7: Serve the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo hot over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For less heat, reduce or omit the sriracha according to your preference.
Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, but watch cooking time to avoid drying out.
Add other vegetables like snap peas or zucchini for extra color and crunch.
Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
Use brown rice or quinoa as an alternative base for a whole grain option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken after cooling; add a splash of water when reheating to adjust consistency.

How to Serve

Four thick, browned patties with a crispy, dark golden surface sit in a shallow pool of smooth, rich, orange-colored sauce inside a black cast iron pan. Each patty is topped with a drizzle of the same sauce and garnished with finely chopped bright green scallions and small pieces of crispy, reddish-brown fried onions. The background shows a soft blur with hints of green from fresh herbs. The whole scene rests on 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 other types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork, beef, or tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat or tofu is cooked properly.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce or omit the sriracha, and consider using a mild chili sauce or paprika to maintain flavor without too much heat.