Sweet and Spicy Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors with these succulent Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs. This dish features tender chicken enveloped in a luscious glaze made from a harmonious blend of brown sugar, hoisin, and soy sauce balanced with zesty lime. The glaze becomes perfectly sticky once cooled, providing that irresistible texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe promises an aesthetically pleasing presentation, garnished beautifully with sesame seeds and fresh green onions. Experiment with the heat level to match your preference and consider this an essential addition to your culinary repertoire.
4
Servings
450
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried red pepper flakes
1 pinch (to taste)
minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon
sesame seeds
1 tablespoon
green onions
3 (chopped)
ginger
1 tablespoon (peeled and grated)
sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon
hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons
soy sauce
5 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon
brown sugar
3/4 cup
olive oil
1 tablespoon
chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs
1 lb (thinly sliced)
lime
1 (zest and juice)
Instructions
1
Prepare the glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, grated ginger, dried red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and lime juice until well combined. This can be done ahead of time and refrigerated overnight for intensified flavors.
2
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until both sides are lightly browned. Remove chicken from skillet, place it on a plate, and cover loosely to keep warm.
3
In the same skillet, pour in the prepared glaze mixture. Bring to a boil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce slightly thickens. Stir occasionally and watch carefully to prevent burning.
4
Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is well coated with the glaze. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
5
Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving dish using tongs, then pour the remaining glaze over the chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pleasing presentation.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
58g
Carbs
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Spicy Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs?
This dish features succulent chicken thighs or breasts enveloped in a luscious glaze made from brown sugar, hoisin, and soy sauce, balanced with zesty lime.
What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of either boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, which should be thinly sliced for even cooking.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts; however, chicken thighs often remain more tender and flavorful when glazed.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this dish contains approximately 450 calories.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What makes the glaze sweet?
The sweetness comes from a combination of 3/4 cup brown sugar and sweet chili sauce.
What provides the spicy kick in this recipe?
The heat is provided by dried red pepper flakes and sweet chili sauce.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the glaze ingredients together and refrigerate them overnight to intensify the flavors.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
How long should I cook the chicken in the skillet initially?
Cook the seasoned chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until lightly browned before removing it to prepare the sauce.
How do I thicken the glaze?
Bring the glaze mixture to a boil in the skillet for 1-2 minutes until it slightly thickens before returning the chicken to the pan.
What should I use for garnishing the dish?
The recipe suggests garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Stir the glaze occasionally while it boils and watch it carefully over medium heat to avoid scorching.
What are the primary flavor components of the sauce?
The sauce is a harmonious blend of soy sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and lime juice.
What type of oil is used for frying the chicken?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sear the chicken.
How much ginger is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of peeled and grated fresh ginger.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of dried red pepper flakes to match your personal heat preference.
What is the texture of the glaze once cooled?
The glaze becomes perfectly sticky once it cools, providing an irresistible texture.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Is lime juice or zest used in this recipe?
Both the zest and the juice of one lime are used to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
What is the protein content of this meal?
There are 21g of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
This dish contains 58g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 15g of fat.
Is this recipe suitable for entertaining?
Yes, its flavorful profile and beautiful garnish make it perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 12 ingredients required for this recipe.
How should I prepare the green onions?
The green onions should be chopped and used as a garnish at the end.
What measurement of soy sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 5 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?
While fresh ginger is recommended for its zest, ground ginger can be used in a pinch, though the flavor profile may differ.
How much hoisin sauce is included?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Transfer the chicken to a dish, pour the remaining thickened glaze over it, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and onions.