This Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade is a tasty mix of sweet and spicy flavors that make your chicken shine! It’s super easy to whip up, using yummy ingredients like sweet chili sauce and soy sauce.
I love how this marinade can turn a simple chicken into something special! Just let it soak in for a while, and you’ll have a dinner that everyone will want to gobble up. You might just find yourself licking the bowl! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Chili Sauce: The star of this recipe, bringing sweetness and a little heat. If you can’t find it, you can mix a bit of ketchup with honey and red pepper flakes for a similar taste.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. You can also use coconut aminos as a lighter alternative.
Rice Vinegar: It’s mild and slightly sweet, perfect for marinades. If you’re in a pinch, white wine vinegar is a decent substitute, or even apple cider vinegar, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is best! These give a nice aromatic kick. If you’re short on time, use garlic and ginger powder, but fresh will really elevate the flavor.
Sesame Oil: This enriches the marinade with a nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, any neutral oil like canola or vegetable can work, but you might miss that special toasty taste.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Well-Marinated?
To achieve maximum flavor with your marinade, proper marinating is crucial. Here are some simple tips:
- Use a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish; it lets the chicken soak up the flavors better.
- Make sure all pieces are coated. Turn the bag or stir the chicken occasionally during marinating.
- For more intense flavor, marinate at least 1 hour, but try to let it sit overnight if you can. Just remember, don’t go over 24 hours with the marinade or the chicken can become too salty.
After marinating, make sure to let the excess drip off before grilling. This can help create a nice char on the chicken!
How to Make Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
Optional Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the marinade, plus at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken (or overnight for more flavor). Cooking the chicken will take an additional 12-16 minutes. So, you’re looking at about 30 minutes if you marinate for an hour, or longer if you choose to marinate overnight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything until it’s well blended and smooth. This mix will add a sweet and spicy kick to your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs or breasts and place them into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Carefully pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. This is where the magic happens—let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight for a deeper flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and allow the excess marinade to drip off (make sure to discard any leftover marinade). Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has that lovely caramelization with slightly charred edges.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it up. Serve the delicious chicken hot, and feel free to sprinkle it with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that extra flair. Enjoy your sweet and spicy meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! This marinade works well with bone-in chicken thighs or wings, just remember that bone-in cuts may require a slightly longer cooking time. You can also use chicken breast or tenders, and adjust the grilling time accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Rice Vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in equal amounts. If you prefer a milder taste, mix equal parts of lemon juice and water for a light alternative.
How Should I Store Leftover Marinade or Cooked Chicken?
If you have leftover marinade that hasn’t been in contact with raw chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For cooked chicken, wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze cooked chicken portions for up to 3 months.
Can I Grill the Chicken Indoors?
Yes, you can definitely use a stovetop grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill. Just make sure to preheat the pan and use a little cooking oil to prevent sticking. Cook the chicken over medium heat, just like on a grill, until fully cooked and nicely charred!
