Growing up in Asheville, my grandma’s kitchen was my favorite place. It smelled of yeast, cinnamon, and endless possibilities. I was only five when she first let me roll biscuit dough; it was lumpy, imperfect, and utterly magical.
That same spirit of joyful experimentation still guides me today at Sweet Magnolia, my home bakery. While I pour my heart into crafting sweet delights, sometimes I crave a different kind of magic in my own kitchen – something bold, unexpected, and utterly addictive. That’s where my recipe for Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo truly shines.
This isn’t just chicken; it’s an adventure for your taste buds, a symphony of flavors. Imagine perfectly seared chicken, coated in a glistening, fiery yet sweet glaze that dances on your tongue, leaving a memorable kick. My Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is the dish I turn to when I want to shake things up, offering a beautiful balance of intense heat and luscious, honeyed sweetness.
It promises to become a weeknight hero or a show-stopping meal for company. Get ready to experience true flavor bliss with this amazing sweet and spicy chicken!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo Recipe
Prepare yourself for a culinary revelation! This Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo recipe delivers big, bold flavors with surprising ease. First, you get that incredible flavor profile: a captivating dance between fiery heat and comforting sweetness.
This sweet and spicy chicken never disappoints. You won’t find bland, boring chicken here. Instead, each bite of this Diablo chicken brings excitement.
Furthermore, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the spice level to suit your preference, making it perfect for everyone at your table.
Moreover, the recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients. You probably have most of them in your pantry already. Think juicy chicken, a handful of spices, and a few pantry staples transform into something extraordinary.
This Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo also cooks relatively quickly, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Despite its speed, it tastes like a gourmet meal. It’s perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to an unforgettable dinner.
Finally, the vibrant color and glistening sauce make this sweet and spicy chicken a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. You will crave this chicken diablo regularly once you try it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo sets you on the path to incredible flavor. Make sure you have everything ready before you begin cooking. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable process.
* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup honey
* 1/4 cup sriracha sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
* 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 4 tablespoons cold water
* 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
Substitutions & Variations
This Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo recipe offers incredible flexibility. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Feel empowered to make this sweet and spicy chicken truly your own.
For the Protein:
* Chicken: While boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer the most flavor and moisture for this Diablo chicken, chicken breasts work wonderfully too. Cut them into similar 1-inch pieces. You could also try this recipe with boneless lamb pieces or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Just adjust cooking times accordingly. Shrimp also cooks quickly and tastes delicious with this sweet and spicy sauce.
For the Sweetness:
* Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey. Each will impart a slightly different nuance to the sweet and spicy chicken. Brown sugar could also work, but use a bit less as it’s sweeter.
For the Heat:
* Sriracha: Adjust the amount of sriracha for your preferred spice level. For less heat, reduce it to 2 tablespoons. For more intensity, increase it to 1/2 cup or more.
Other chili sauces like gochujang or sambal oelek also offer excellent heat and flavor. You can even add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick in your Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo.
* Red Pepper Flakes: Omit them entirely if you prefer milder sweet and spicy chicken. Add more if you like things extra hot.
For the Sauce Base:
* Soy Sauce: Tamari works as a gluten-free alternative. Coconut aminos also provide a great soy-free option, though you might need to adjust the salt content slightly.
* Apple Cider Vinegar: Rice vinegar or white vinegar can substitute for apple cider vinegar. Lemon juice also adds a nice tang.
Add-ins:
* Vegetables: Elevate your Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo by adding bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, or carrots during the last few minutes of cooking. This transforms it into a complete stir-fry. Sauté them briefly before adding the chicken back into the pan.
* Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped peanuts or cashews adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to the finished dish.
* Citrus Zest: A little lime or orange zest brightens the sauce beautifully, complementing the sweet and spicy notes. This enhances the overall experience of your Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo.
This Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo recipe offers incredible flexibility. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. For some delightful dessert inspiration after your meal, check out this Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this sensational Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo dish is straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time. You will marvel at how easily this sweet and spicy chicken comes together.
1. Prepare the Chicken: First, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This step ensures a good sear.
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each piece gets evenly coated. This prepares your chicken for optimal flavor in your chicken diablo.
2. Make the Diablo Sauce: Next, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything until thoroughly combined. This creates the signature sweet and spicy sauce for your Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer.
Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step builds flavor and texture for your sweet and spicy chicken.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the prepared Diablo sauce into the skillet.
Bring it to a gentle simmer. In a very small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly.
Continue whisking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This typically takes 1-2 minutes. The sauce will become glossy and cling to a spoon.
5. Combine and Coat: Return the seared chicken to the skillet with the thickened Diablo sauce. Toss the chicken gently to coat every piece thoroughly in the rich, sweet, and spicy glaze. Ensure all pieces of your Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo are glistening with sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve: Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve your incredible Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo immediately over your preferred accompaniment. Enjoy this fantastic sweet and spicy chicken!
Pro Tips for Success
Mastering Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo involves a few simple tricks. These tips will elevate your dish from great to absolutely unforgettable. You will serve the best sweet and spicy chicken with these insights.
* Pat Your Chicken Dry: This is crucial! Moisture on the chicken prevents proper searing. A dry surface allows the chicken to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, locking in juices and adding depth of flavor to your chicken diablo. Do not skip this step for truly amazing results with your Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo.
* Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, give each piece space. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, steaming the chicken instead of searing it. Work in batches if necessary to ensure every piece gets that delicious caramelized exterior for your sweet and spicy chicken.
* Adjust Heat to Your Liking: The beauty of this Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo lies in its adaptability. Taste the Diablo sauce before adding the cornstarch slurry. If you prefer more heat, stir in extra sriracha or red pepper flakes. For a milder version, start with less sriracha and taste as you go.
* Grate Fresh Ginger: While powdered ginger works in a pinch, fresh ginger provides a brighter, more pungent flavor that truly complements the sweet and spicy sauce. Use a microplane for easy grating. This simple addition elevates the overall taste of your Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo.
* Cornstarch Slurry Consistency: Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to hot liquid. This prevents lumps. Add it slowly, whisking constantly, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
Remember, the sauce will thicken slightly more as it cools. This ensures a perfectly coated sweet and spicy chicken.
* Rest Your Chicken (Briefly): After searing, let the chicken rest for a minute or two before adding it back to the sauce. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist in your Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo.
* Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the finished Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo. Does it need more salt? A touch more sweetness?
A hint more vinegar to balance the flavors? A quick adjustment can make all the difference. This makes your chicken diablo perfect every time.
Mastering Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo involves a few simple tricks. These tips will elevate your dish from great to absolutely unforgettable. To enjoy a refreshing beverage alongside, consider making a Frozen Strawberry Margarita.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Properly storing and reheating your Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo ensures you can enjoy its fantastic flavors for days. This sweet and spicy chicken remains delicious with a little care.
Storage:
* Cool Completely: Always allow the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo to cool to room temperature before storing. Placing hot food directly into the refrigerator can raise the internal temperature of the fridge, potentially spoiling other foods.
* Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled sweet and spicy chicken and any leftover sauce into a clean, airtight container.
This prevents air exposure, which can dry out the chicken and compromise its flavor.
* Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures freshness and safety for your chicken diablo.
Reheating:
* Stovetop Method (Recommended): For best results, reheat your Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo on the stovetop. Place the desired portion into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce and prevent drying.
Stir occasionally until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling gently. This method helps maintain the texture of the sweet and spicy chicken.
* Microwave Method: You can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken. While convenient, the stovetop method generally yields better results for Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo.
* Avoid Overheating: Reheat only the amount you plan to eat. Repeated reheating can diminish the quality and texture of your Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo.
What to Serve With This Recipe
The robust flavors of Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. These accompaniments help balance the heat and sweetness, creating a complete and satisfying meal. You’ll find many excellent options to serve with this sweet and spicy chicken.
* Steamed Basmati or Jasmine Rice: A classic choice! The neutral flavor and fluffy texture of rice perfectly absorb the glorious Diablo sauce, making every bite of your Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo a delight. Brown rice also makes an excellent, wholesome option.
* Noodles: Serve your sweet and spicy chicken over a bed of stir-fried noodles or simple steamed lo mein. The noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, adding another textural element.
* Quinoa: For a healthier, protein-packed alternative to rice, serve Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo with fluffy quinoa.
Its slightly nutty flavor complements the chicken wonderfully.
* Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli florets, green beans, asparagus, or bell pepper strips provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich Diablo chicken. A simple steaming or light roasting with a touch of garlic brings out their natural sweetness.
* Asian-Inspired Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette, featuring ingredients like shredded cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers, offers a refreshing counterpoint to the intensity of the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo.
* Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve your sweet and spicy chicken with cauliflower rice. It’s light and soaks up the flavorful sauce without adding many calories.
* Naan Bread or Flatbread: Use warm naan or flatbread to sop up every last drop of that amazing Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo sauce. This provides a comforting, slightly chewy texture.
* Coleslaw: A creamy, cool coleslaw can provide a fantastic contrast to the heat of the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo, offering a refreshing break for your palate.
* Cucumber Salad: A light, vinegary cucumber salad helps to cut through the richness and spice of this chicken diablo.
The robust flavors of Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. These accompaniments help balance the heat and sweetness, creating a complete and satisfying meal. For a sweet treat that complements your main course, try making Strawberry Lemon Cream Scones.
FAQs
Can I make the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet and spicy sauce up to 2-3 days in advance. Whisk all the sauce ingredients together (honey, sriracha, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ginger, red pepper flakes) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to cook your Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo, simply proceed with searing the chicken and then thickening the pre-made sauce. This makes weeknight cooking even faster!
How can I make this chicken diablo spicier or milder?
Customizing the heat level of your Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is very easy. For more heat, simply increase the amount of sriracha sauce. You can also add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
For a milder version, reduce the sriracha to 2-3 tablespoons or omit the red pepper flakes entirely. Always taste the sauce before adding the cornstarch slurry to adjust it perfectly to your liking.
What cut of chicken works best for Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are generally recommended for Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo. They stay incredibly juicy and flavorful during cooking, even with high heat. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts also work well, especially if you prefer leaner meat.
Just be careful not to overcook chicken breasts, as they can dry out more easily. Cut both into similar 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
Can I use frozen chicken for this sweet and spicy chicken recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo, but you must thaw it completely before starting the recipe. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or by submerging it in a bowl of cold water (changing the water every 30 minutes) until fully defrosted. Pat the chicken very dry before seasoning and searing, as excess moisture will prevent a good sear.
Is Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo suitable for meal prep?
This Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo recipe is fantastic for meal prep! Prepare a larger batch at the beginning of the week. Portion it out with your favorite sides like rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables into individual airtight containers.
Store these in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully, making for delicious and convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I add vegetables directly to the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables makes this Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo a more complete and nutritious meal. Good options include bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, or sliced carrots.
To add them, stir-fry the vegetables in the skillet after searing the chicken (and before adding the sauce) for 3-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Then, remove them, proceed with the sauce, and add both the chicken and vegetables back to coat in the sweet and spicy sauce.
Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is a popular dish celebrated for its unique combination of sweet and spicy flavors, often incorporating various spices and glazes that enhance the overall experience. Discover more about the culinary traditions that inspire this recipe through its connection to cuisine.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo, based on the ingredients listed. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, cooking methods, and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 100 mg |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Total Sugars | 20 g |
Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is a vibrant dish featuring perfectly seared chicken coated in a glistening, fiery yet sweet glaze, balancing intense heat and luscious sweetness.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons Olive oil
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Onion powder
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Honey
1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
2 tablespoons Soy sauce
1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons Cornstarch
4 tablespoons Cold water
2 Green onions, sliced, for garnish
1 tablespoon Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through
- Reduce the heat, add the Diablo sauce, and bring to a gentle simmer; then add cornstarch and cold water slurry, whisking until the sauce thickens
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving
Notes
You can adapt the spice level to your preference by adjusting the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg