Introduction

Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is a vibrant dish that perfectly balances heat and sweetness. This recipe brings together tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a flavorful sauce for a quick and satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.

On a white plate with a subtle pattern, there is a piece of cooked chicken breast covered with a thick, creamy orange sauce that has a smooth, glossy texture. The chicken shows some browned, slightly crispy edges peeking from under the sauce. Scattered on top are small, bright green chopped scallions adding a fresh touch of color. To the side, a mound of plain, fluffy white rice adds a soft texture contrast. The plate is placed on a dark blue cloth with a white checkered pattern, all set against a white marbled background. 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 with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon sriracha, 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, the 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. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer without overcrowding; cook in batches if needed.
Step 5: Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 6: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet, then add the onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger.
Step 7: Cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
Step 8: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables, then pour the prepared sauce over everything.
Step 9: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, stirring occasionally.
Step 10: Serve the Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo hot over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Adjust the sriracha amount to control the spice level to your liking.
Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option, but watch cooking time to avoid drying out.
Swap the bell peppers for other vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for variety.
Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor, up to 2 hours.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken when cold; add a splash of water when reheating if needed to loosen it.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a black cast iron pan with three pieces of cooked chicken breast inside. Each chicken piece is covered with a smooth, thick orange sauce that has a glossy shine. On top of the sauce, there are scattered small rings and slices of fresh green onions, adding a bright green color contrast. The chicken looks tender with slight browning on the edges where it was cooked. The pan sits on a dark blue cloth on a white marbled surface, and a gold fork is partially visible at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this recipe gluten-free.

What can I serve with Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo?

This dish pairs best with steamed white or brown rice, but you can also serve it over quinoa or noodles for a different twist.