Swicy Sensations: Sweet & Spicy
These delightful chicken bites perfectly balance sweet honey with a kick of spice, creating an addictive 'swicy' flavor profile popular in modern cuisine. Easy to make and universally loved.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp sriracha or other hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- While chicken bakes, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl to make the glaze.
- Remove chicken from oven. Pour the glaze over the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Return chicken to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and caramelized slightly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Adjust the amount of sriracha or chili flakes to your preferred spice level. Serve with rice, a fresh salad, or as an appetizer. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes. You can also air-fry these at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, then tossing with the glaze and air-frying for another 3-5 minutes.