Spicy Glazed Chicken Skillet
Spicy Glazed Chicken Skillet is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy that will tantalize your taste buds. This quick and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests. With a beautiful glaze that caramelizes beautifully, it's not just delicious but also visually appealing. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Why This Spicy Glazed Chicken Skillet Recipe Works
This recipe works because of the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The sweetness from honey pairs beautifully with the heat of sriracha, creating a glaze that coats the chicken perfectly. Plus, using a skillet makes cooking faster and cleanup easier.
The technique of searing the chicken before adding the glaze helps to lock in flavor and create a delicious crust. Adding the vegetables towards the end ensures they remain crisp while soaking up the sauce, leading to balanced bites in every mouthful.
💡 Professional Tip
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the meat to absorb the flavors deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and combine when ready to cook. This helps in enhancing the flavors, making it even more delicious.
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute sriracha with a mild chili sauce or omit it altogether. Alternatively, use another hot sauce of your choice for a similar kick.
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center. The glaze should also be bubbly and caramelized.
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious glaze.
Stored in an airtight container, this dish will last in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Yes, you can make this dish in advance. Just prepare it, cool it down, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Recipe Troubleshooting Guide
Too Dry
Problem: The chicken may become dry if overcooked.
Solution: To prevent this, monitor the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Not Crispy Enough
Problem: The chicken skin might not crisp up as desired.
Solution: Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Overcooked
Problem: The chicken may become tough and dry if cooked for too long.
Prevention: To prevent overcooking, adhere to the cooking times and check the internal temperature frequently.
Undercooked Center
Problem: The chicken may be undercooked in the center.
Recovery: If this happens, return the chicken to the skillet, cover it, and cook until it reaches the correct temperature.
Burnt Exterior
Problem: The chicken might burn if the skillet is too hot.
Prevention: Adjust the heat to medium and keep an eye on the cooking, flipping the chicken as needed.
Flavor Balance
Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or citrus juice to balance it out.
Too Salty: To fix overly salty dishes, add a little sugar or honey.
Bland: If the flavor is bland, enhance it with additional spices or soy sauce.
Essential Ingredients for Spicy Glazed Chicken Skillet
The key ingredients in this dish include fresh chicken, which provides the main protein, and a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and spices. The addition of colorful bell peppers and onions adds nutritional value and texture.
Using high-quality ingredients is crucial for achieving the best flavor. Opt for fresh chicken and organic vegetables when possible, and make sure to use real butter for the glaze for a richer taste.
Essential Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture. If possible, use free-range chicken for a juicier and more flavorful result.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you're watching your salt intake. It still provides great flavor without being overly salty.
- Honey: Use raw or locally sourced honey for a more robust flavor. It adds natural sweetness and enhances the overall glaze.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
The cooking method involves searing the chicken to create a golden crust before adding the flavorful glaze. This one-pan dish allows for quick preparation and less cleanup, making it ideal for any home cook.
To achieve perfect results, ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding ingredients. This will help in caramelizing the glaze and enhancing the dish's overall flavor.
Key Technique for Perfect Spicy Glazed Chicken Skillet
The key technique is to sear the chicken properly at the right temperature. This creates a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor, ensuring juicy and tender chicken.
Spicy Glazed Chicken Skillet
📋 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup butterRoom temperature
- 1/2 cup soy sauceLow sodium recommended
- 1/4 cup honeyRaw or local honey
- 1 tablespoon srirachaAdjust to taste
- 3 garlic clovesMinced
- 1 teaspoon gingerGrated
- 1 teaspoon black pepperFreshly ground
For the Sauce
- 2 lbs chickenCut into pieces
- 1 cup bell peppersSliced
- 1 cup onionSliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oilFor cooking
- 1/4 cup green onionsChopped, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seedsFor garnish
- SaltTo taste
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the butter, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, minced garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
Add Veggies
Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet and sauté for another 5-7 minutes until softened.
Glaze the Chicken
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Garnish
Once cooked, remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve
Serve hot, over rice or noodles if desired.
Enjoy
Enjoy your delicious Spicy Glazed Chicken Skillet!
Recipe Notes & Tips
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portions.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is excellent when served with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Add a side of crispy vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize this dish by adding different vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha.