Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken

There’s something irresistible about grilled chicken, especially when it’s drenched in a sticky-sweet, tangy glaze that gives each bite that perfect balance of heat and sweetness. This Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken is exactly what you need to elevate your backyard BBQ or weekday dinner. It’s the kind of dish that’s bursting with flavor, looks fantastic on the plate, and gives you that little bit of kick without overwhelming your taste buds. The smoky, charred grill marks combined with the sweet chili glaze create a mouthwatering combination that’s totally unforgettable.

Trust me—this recipe is going to be your new go-to for grilled chicken. It’s simple, quick, and makes your taste buds do a happy dance.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken

Here’s why this dish is going to become a staple in your grilling repertoire:

• Sweet, Spicy, and Smoky: The combination of the sweet chili sauce with a touch of heat from the garlic and red pepper flakes, balanced by the smoky char from the grill—pure magic! Each bite is like a burst of bold flavors.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, with minimal prep and cooking time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend BBQs when you want something that tastes like it took a lot of effort but really didn’t.
• Versatile: You can serve this grilled chicken with almost anything—rice, roasted veggies, or a light salad. It pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, making it easy to customize for any meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: This dish works just as well for lunch or dinner leftovers. The glaze keeps the chicken moist and flavorful, and you can easily use it in wraps, salads, or sandwiches the next day.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This chicken is sure to be a hit whether you’re cooking for your family or having friends over for a casual gathering. Sweet, spicy, and savory—it’s got something for everyone.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to bring this delicious grilled chicken to life:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great for this recipe. Thighs will be juicier, but breasts are leaner if that’s your preference.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: The star of the glaze! This sweet and slightly spicy sauce will coat the chicken beautifully.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a salty umami depth to the glaze. It balances the sweetness and gives that perfect savory note.
• Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger give the glaze a little punch and a whole lot of flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For just the right amount of heat. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like things.
• Honey: To bring a little extra sweetness to the glaze and help it caramelize perfectly on the grill.
• Lime Juice: A little fresh lime juice to add a burst of citrusy freshness to the glaze and balance out the richness.
• Sesame Oil (Optional): A splash of sesame oil adds a nutty, savory touch that complements the sweetness of the chili sauce. It’s optional, but highly recommended for that extra depth.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s make this happen! Here’s how to create that mouthwatering Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken:

Step 1: Make the Sweet Chili Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, lime juice, and red pepper flakes. If you’re using sesame oil, add it here too. Mix everything together until the honey is fully dissolved, and the glaze is nice and smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour about ⅔ of the glaze over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). This allows the chicken to absorb all that flavorful goodness.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, get it nice and hot with a good bed of coals. For gas grills, set it to about 400°F (200°C). Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled so the chicken doesn’t stick.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard the used marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown with those beautiful grill marks.

During the last couple of minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the reserved glaze, allowing it to caramelize and get all sticky and glossy. Don’t go too overboard with the glaze—just enough to get a nice coating.

Step 5: Let the Chicken Rest

Once the chicken is cooked through and caramelized, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken nice and moist.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Serve the grilled chicken hot off the grill with a drizzle of extra glaze, if desired. It’s perfect alongside rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad. The glaze is sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of heat, making each bite totally addictive.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken

This sweet chili glazed chicken is so versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even more delicious:

• With Steamed Jasmine Rice: The sweetness of the glaze goes perfectly with a side of fluffy jasmine rice. It’ll soak up all the flavors.
• With Grilled Veggies: Pair it with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a light and healthy side.
• In a Salad: Shred the grilled chicken and toss it into a fresh salad with crunchy greens, cucumbers, and a light dressing.
• With Garlic Noodles: Serve it with a side of garlic butter noodles or Asian-style noodles for a complete meal that’ll leave everyone coming back for more.
• Tacos or Wraps: For a fun twist, turn this chicken into tacos or wraps! Just slice it up, drizzle with some extra glaze, and stuff it into a soft tortilla with fresh veggies.

Additional Tips

• Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken every time, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Make Extra Glaze: If you want a thicker, more caramelized glaze, reserve some extra glaze to brush on while the chicken grills. You can also drizzle more on top right before serving for that extra burst of flavor.
• Adjust the Heat: If you’re not a fan of spice, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or skip them altogether. The sweetness of the chili sauce will still shine through!
• Grill Marks: If you’re grilling bone-in chicken, make sure to cook it slowly over indirect heat to avoid burning the outside before the inside is fully cooked.
• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken the night before, so all you need to do is grill it when you’re ready to eat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken with skin?
A1: Yes! You can absolutely use skin-on chicken for extra crispy skin. Just be sure to monitor the grill temperature to avoid burning the skin.

Q2: Can I make this in the oven?
A2: Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brush with the glaze during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Q3: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! The glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just heat it up before using it for grilling.

Q4: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before grilling.

Q5: How spicy is the glaze?
A5: The glaze has a mild heat due to the red pepper flakes, but it’s balanced out by the sweetness of the chili sauce and honey. If you like things spicier, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Conclusion

This Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken is the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and spicy, all grilled to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re grilling on a hot summer day or craving something flavorful for dinner, this chicken is always a win. Serve it with your favorite sides, and get ready for a meal everyone will love!

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