Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo Recipe
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.
- Author: Mila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Thicken the sauce: Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened and glossy.
- 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