Introduction

Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is a vibrant and flavorful dish that balances heat and sweetness perfectly. Tender chicken thighs are marinated and cooked with colorful bell peppers, garlic, and ginger, all coated in a glossy, spicy-sweet sauce. Serve it over rice for a satisfying meal that will quickly become a favorite.

The image shows a white plate with a piece of cooked chicken breast in the front covered in a smooth, creamy orange sauce. The chicken has browned edges and is garnished with small green onion slices scattered on top. Behind the chicken, there is a serving of fluffy white rice with a soft texture. A gold fork is placed on the right side of the plate. The plate sits on a dark blue cloth with a white checkered pattern, and the background is a white marbled surface. 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, divided
1/4 cup honey, divided
2 tablespoons rice vinegar, divided
1 tablespoon sriracha, plus 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 with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste), 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Mix well to coat evenly.
Step 2: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, remaining 2 1/2 teaspoons sriracha, and 2 tablespoons water. Set this sauce aside.
Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 6: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Then add the onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 8: Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 9: Serve the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo hot over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Step 10: Enjoy your flavorful meal!

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, reduce the sriracha or omit it entirely, and add chili flakes separately if desired.
Use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, though thighs keep the dish juicier.
Add other vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition.
For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce.

Storage

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

How to Serve

The image shows three cooked chicken breasts in a black cast iron skillet. Each chicken breast is covered with a smooth, creamy orange sauce that lightly glistens under the light. On top of the sauce are small pieces of fresh green onion sliced into rings, adding a pop of green color and texture. The browned edges of the chicken are visible around the sauce, showing a slightly crispy texture. The skillet rests on a blue textured cloth with a gold fork next to it, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works fine, but it tends to be less juicy than thighs. Be careful not to overcook to keep it tender.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on the amount of sriracha you use. The recipe calls for a moderate amount, but you can adjust it to your taste for milder or spicier flavors.