Introduction

Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is a vibrant dish that perfectly balances heat and sweetness. Featuring tender chicken thighs tossed with colorful bell peppers and a glossy, flavorful sauce, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Serve it over rice for a comforting, restaurant-quality dinner at home.

The image shows four pieces of fried chicken in a black cast iron skillet. Each chicken piece is golden brown with crispy edges and covered with a thick layer of reddish-brown sauce. On top of the sauce, bright green chopped scallions are sprinkled evenly, adding a fresh color contrast. The skillet rests on a blue cloth, and in the background, there is a small wooden bowl filled with a yellow creamy sauce with a spoon in it. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
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
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to heat preference), 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
Step 2: Mix well to coat the chicken evenly, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, remaining 2 1/2 teaspoons sriracha, and 2 tablespoons water. Set aside.
Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
Step 6: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger, cooking for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture.
Step 8: Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, stirring occasionally.
Step 9: Serve the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo hot over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, reduce the sriracha or substitute with a sweet chili sauce.
Try using chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.
Add other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms for extra variety.
Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier grain option.
Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor, up to 4 hours in the fridge.

Storage

Store leftover Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well for quick lunches or dinners.

How to Serve

The image shows four pieces of golden brown fried chicken placed in a black cast iron pan filled with a smooth, rich reddish-brown sauce covering the bottom. Each chicken piece is topped with a glossy layer of bright red sauce, drizzled unevenly, and sprinkled with fresh, chopped green onions adding a pop of bright green color. The chicken has a crisp, textured breading with darker spots where it’s fried. In the background, a blurred wooden bowl filled with creamy yellow sauce sits on a blue cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking and the best texture. If using frozen, thaw completely before marinating and cooking.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on the amount of sriracha used. The recipe calls for a moderate spiciness, but you can adjust it up or down based on your preference.