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Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo

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A bold and flavorful family feast featuring tender chicken glazed in a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce that balances heat with mellow sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced fresh
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Let rest while prepping sauce. (5 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, honey, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. Stir well. (3 minutes)
  3. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When shimmering, add chicken pieces. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for 4 minutes. (9 minutes)
  4. Pour sauce over chicken, reduce heat to medium-low. Spoon sauce over chicken as it simmers and thickens, about 7-8 minutes, coating chicken in sticky glaze. (8 minutes)
  5. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If not, cover and cook 1-2 more minutes until done. (2 minutes)
  6. Remove chicken to a serving platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges if desired. (5 minutes)

Notes

If sauce thickens too much before chicken is done, add a tablespoon of water to loosen. Do not overcrowd pan to ensure proper searing. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Rest chicken after cooking to lock in juices. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Adjust chili flakes to control heat level.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy sweet chicken, chicken diablo, family dinner, easy chicken recipe, bold flavor, quick chicken, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/spicy-sweet-chicken-diablo-recipe-easy-family-feast-with-bold-flavor/