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Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo Recipe

4.4 from 61 reviews

Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated and cooked with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a bold sweet-spicy sauce. This stir-fry recipe combines a perfect balance of heat from sriracha with the sweetness of honey, finished with aromatic garlic and ginger for a delightful meal served over steamed rice.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and 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 (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Vegetables

  • 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

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons sriracha
  • 2 tablespoons water

Cooking Oils and Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Serving

  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sriracha, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Mix thoroughly until all chicken pieces are evenly coated.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
  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, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until chicken is browned and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
  5. Sauté the vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Stir in onion, red and yellow bell peppers, garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 5 to 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 everything and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy, stirring occasionally.
  7. Serve and garnish: Serve the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo hot over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
  8. Enjoy your meal: Dive into the bold and balanced flavors of this sweet and spicy chicken dish.

Notes

  • Adjust sriracha amounts to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Marinating the chicken longer will deepen the flavor but is not mandatory.
  • If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with arrowroot powder or omit it for a thinner sauce.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results compared to chicken breasts.
  • Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for best pairing.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Keywords: Spicy Sweet Chicken, Chicken Diablo, Stir-fry Chicken, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Chicken with Bell Peppers, Easy Weeknight Dinner