If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal, look no further than this Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken recipe. Combining tender chicken breast with a vibrant sweet chili sauce, zesty lime, and aromatic Thai basil, this dish brings the best of Thai flavors into your home kitchen. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that delights your taste buds and impresses your family or guests. The balance of sweet and spicy flavors creates a culinary experience that is both unique and comforting.
This recipe is not just about flavor; it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or an impromptu dinner party, you can whip it up in no time without sacrificing taste or quality. Plus, it can be easily adapted to suit dietary preferences or available ingredients, making it a go-to for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Whether served over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice or accompanied by side salads, the Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken has a universal appeal that makes it a favorite among many. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The sweet chili sauce and fresh lime juice create a delightful sweet and spicy balance.
- Healthy Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and chicken Breast ensures a wholesome meal.
- Customizable: Easy to tailor according to your taste by adjusting the spice level or adding your favorite veggies.
- Great for Meal Prep: Ideal for batch cooking; simply reheat for an easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To prepare for making Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken, start by gathering all your ingredients. This will streamline your cooking process and keep things organized. You’ll need a chopping board for cutting the chicken and vegetables, as well as bowls for combining ingredients like the sauce. It’s helpful to have a good knife and a whisk on hand for the best results.
In terms of cookware, a large pan or skillet is essential for sautéing the chicken and vegetables. Make sure it’s non-stick or heavily oiled so your ingredients don’t stick while cooking. Also, having measuring spoons and cups will help you accurately gauge ingredients like sauces and seasonings.
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prep the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces and thinly slicing the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger, this will ensure they infuse the dish with their full flavors when sautéed. Having everything ready before you begin will allow for a smooth cooking experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (or extra soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (Thai basil if possible)
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and red pepper flakes until well combined. This sauce will create an amazing glaze for the chicken, infusing each bite with sweet and spicy flavor. Setting it aside now will allow the flavors to meld together while you focus on cooking the chicken and vegetables.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. It’s important to let the chicken develop some color for deeper flavor. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate – this helps in achieving that perfect texture without overcooking.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
With the chicken out of the pan, pour in the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil, allowing them to sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies
Next, add the thinly sliced onion and bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes, wanting them to remain crisp and colorful. Overcooking will lead to soggy vegetables, which isn’t ideal! Stir them frequently to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sautéed veggies. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to blend and the sauce to cling to the chicken and veggies.
Step 6: Add Fresh Basil and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh basil leaves, allowing them to wilt in the residual heat. The aroma of the basil adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy elements of the dish. Serve the Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken hot over a bed of jasmine rice.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different take on the recipe.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add snap peas, broccoli, or carrots for added color and nutrition.
- Spices: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level, or add chopped chilies for extra spice.
Cooking Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible, particularly herbs and vegetables.
- To enhance the taste further, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with more aromatic jasmine rice, which helps soak up the delicious sauce.
- Serve with a side of cucumber salad to add a refreshing crunch.
Tips
- Have all your ingredients prepped before starting, as the cooking process is quick.
- If you’re not a fan of fish sauce, using saltines or additional soy sauce can be a great substitute.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari and ensure your sweet chili sauce is also gluten-free.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen, ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
What can I serve with Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, salads, or steamed vegetables. It’s also great on wraps or in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken is not only a quick and easy recipe but also an explosion of flavors that satisfies anyone’s palate. It combines a perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness, complemented by fragrant basil, making it an excellent choose for dinner any night of the week. As you experiment with variations and make it your own, each experience will bring new joy to your culinary adventure. So, roll up your sleeves and try this mouthwatering recipe for yourself! Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below, and feel free to explore unique ingredient combinations to create a dish that suits your taste best.
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Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal, look no further than this Sweet and Spicy Thai Chicken recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (or extra soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (Thai basil if possible)
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- In a large pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- With the chicken out of the pan, pour in the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil, allowing them to sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Next, add the thinly sliced onion and bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sautéed veggies. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh basil leaves, allowing them to wilt in the residual heat.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible, particularly herbs and vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 30 g