This sweet chili chicken marinade brings a tasty kick to your meals! With a blend of sweet and spicy flavors, it makes every bite delightful.
I love how it turns plain chicken into something special with just a little marinating time. It’s perfect for grilling or baking—super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the star of the marinade, providing a lovely balance of sweetness and heat. If you can’t find sweet chili sauce, you can mix a bit of sriracha with honey for a similar effect.
Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and depth. If you’re gluten-free, tamari is a great alternative. Low-sodium soy sauce works well too if you’re watching your salt intake.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick. If you don’t have rice vinegar, try white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but start with a smaller amount since they can be stronger.
Chicken Thighs: I prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs for their juiciness, but boneless are just as great! If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breasts will work, but they may need less marinading time.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy?
The key to juicy chicken is in the marinating process. Allowing the chicken to soak in the marinade not only infuses flavor but also adds moisture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a non-reactive bowl or a resealable plastic bag for marinating.
- Make sure all chicken pieces are well-coated and ideally submerged in the marinade.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight gives the best results. This helps break down the meat fibers for tenderness.
When cooking, avoid overcooking—using a meat thermometer ensures it reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep those juices locked in!
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and at least 1 hour to marinate, but overnight is best for great flavor. Cooking the chicken will take around 30-35 minutes. So, if you’re planning for a delicious meal, set aside some time to let those flavors soak in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and black pepper. Stir everything together well until it’s fully mixed. This marinade is packed with flavor and is going to make your chicken so tasty!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade, making sure they are thoroughly coated. You can either cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a resealable plastic bag. Pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour—overnight is even better to soak up all those delicious flavors!
3. Cook the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (you can keep the marinade to baste while grilling, but remember to boil it to make it safe). If you’re grilling, cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If using the oven, place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30-35 minutes or until fully cooked.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds if you like! Enjoy your delicious Sweet Chili Chicken with your favorite sides!
Can I Use Another Type of Chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are great for keeping the meat juicy, you can use chicken breasts or even drumsticks if you prefer. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly—breasts might cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
Can I Make This Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can! The marinade can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. For the freshest flavor, add the chicken to the marinade only when you’re ready to cook.
What Can I Substitute for Rice Vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute. Both will give you a slightly different flavor, but they’re still tasty! Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for.
How to Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can also add a little water or chicken broth to keep it moist during reheating!
