Description
This Sweet Chili Glazed Grilled Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and lime. Grilled to perfection with a glossy, slightly charred glaze, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, making it an irresistible main course perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Grilling
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling)
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped cilantro or green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through.
- Glaze the Chicken: During the last minute of grilling, brush the chicken with a little extra sweet chili sauce to create a shiny, flavorful glaze that enhances the taste and appearance.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish the chicken with chopped cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds as desired. Serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 4 hours) intensifies the flavor but avoid marinating overnight as the acid in the marinade can break down the meat too much.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat, which tends to stay juicier on the grill.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken under a broiler or on a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely without overcooking.
- Garnishes like cilantro, green onion, and sesame seeds add freshness and texture but are optional.
