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Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo Recipe

4.7 from 142 reviews

Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is a flavorful and vibrant stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce, combined with colorful bell peppers and onions. This quick and easy meal delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, ideal served over steamed rice for a satisfying dinner experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (or less, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Main Ingredients

  • 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

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons water

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of 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 all pieces evenly.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
  3. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 2 1/2 teaspoons sriracha, and 2 tablespoons water. Set aside.
  4. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  5. Sauté the vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add onion, red and yellow bell peppers, garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  6. Combine and simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over all and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  7. Thicken the sauce: Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened and glossy.
  8. Serve: Spoon the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo hot over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness, but chicken breasts can be used as a leaner substitute.
  • If cornstarch is unavailable, arrowroot powder can be substituted for thickening the marinade and sauce.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) intensifies the flavor and tenderness.
  • Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Keywords: spicy chicken, sweet chicken, chicken stir-fry, Asian chicken recipe, bell peppers, quick dinner, chicken thighs, homemade sauce