Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo

Featured in: Flavor Rush

This vibrant dish brings together tender chicken thighs and colorful vegetables in a bold honey-sriracha glaze. The cornstarch-coated chicken develops golden edges while the sauce reduces to a sticky coating that clings perfectly to every bite. Bell peppers, snap peas, and red onion add freshness and crunch, balancing the rich, sweet-spicy flavors.

Ready in under an hour, this comes together quickly for weeknight dinners. The sauce features honey for sweetness, sriracha for heat, soy sauce for umami depth, and rice vinegar for brightness. Fresh garlic and ginger add aromatic complexity.

Serve over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the extra sauce. Adjust sriracha to your preferred spice level, and add extra vegetables if desired. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

Updated on Sun, 08 Feb 2026 05:06:47 GMT
Golden-brown Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo served over fluffy jasmine rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a complete weeknight dinner. Save
Golden-brown Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo served over fluffy jasmine rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a complete weeknight dinner. | cravebop.com

Bring a bold spark to your dinner table with Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo, a dish that perfectly balances fiery heat with a luscious honey glaze. This vibrant stir-fry features succulent chicken thighs and a rainbow of crisp vegetables, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. It is the ideal solution for those craving a restaurant-quality meal without the long wait.

Golden-brown Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo served over fluffy jasmine rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a complete weeknight dinner. Save
Golden-brown Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo served over fluffy jasmine rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a complete weeknight dinner. | cravebop.com

Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this American-style stir-fry uses simple pantry staples to create a sophisticated sauce. Whether you are cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, the combination of tender chicken and snap-fresh vegetables ensures every bite is satisfyingly crunchy and savory.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces), 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  • Sauce: 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), 2 tbsp sriracha, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp ketchup, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated).
  • Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced), 1 small red onion (sliced), 1 cup sugar snap peas (trimmed).
  • For Cooking & Garnish: 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 2 green onions (sliced), 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional), cooked jasmine rice (for serving).
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Instructions

Step 1
In a bowl, toss the chicken thighs with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2
In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, ketchup, garlic, and ginger to make the sauce. Set aside.
Step 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and just cooked through. Remove to a plate.
Step 4
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Add bell peppers, onion, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Step 5
Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and everything is well coated.
Step 6
Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, over jasmine rice.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the most efficient workflow, marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just be sure to reheat it gently to maintain the texture of the chicken and vegetables.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them to keep the meat tender. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the honey to 1/4 cup, or add extra vegetables like broccoli florets, carrots, or zucchini for more variety.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo piping hot over a generous bed of fluffy jasmine rice. The rice is essential for soaking up the bold, glossy sauce. Garnish the plate with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and extra texture.

Vibrant bell peppers and snap peas tossed in sticky Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo sauce inside a hot skillet, steam rising from the colorful stir-fry. Save
Vibrant bell peppers and snap peas tossed in sticky Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo sauce inside a hot skillet, steam rising from the colorful stir-fry. | cravebop.com

This Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is more than just a quick dinner; it is a flavor-packed experience that brings excitement to any weeknight. With its perfect balance of textures and bold sauce, it is bound to become a recurring favorite in your kitchen rotation.

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Recipe Guide

How spicy is Chicken Diablo?

The heat level is adjustable with sriracha. Using 2 tablespoons provides a medium spice that's approachable for most palates. Reduce to 1 tablespoon for mild heat or increase to 3 tablespoons for those who love extra kick.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well. Cut it into similar bite-sized pieces, but reduce cooking time slightly to prevent drying. Breast meat cooks faster than thighs, so watch closely during the initial sear.

What vegetables work best in this dish?

Bell peppers, red onion, and snap peas provide color and crunch. Broccoli florets, carrots, zucchini, or baby corn also work wonderfully. Aim for vegetables that cook quickly and maintain some texture.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Substitute tamari for the soy sauce. All other ingredients, including sriracha and cornstarch, are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to confirm your specific brands meet dietary needs.

Can the sauce be made ahead?

Absolutely. Whisk the sauce ingredients together up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. You can also coat the chicken with cornstarch ahead of time, but cook it within 24 hours for best texture.

What rice pairs best with this dish?

Jasmine rice is ideal with its floral aroma and slight sweetness that complements the sauce. Basmati or medium-grain white rice also work well. For whole grain options, brown rice adds nuttiness though it changes the flavor profile slightly.

Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo

Tender chicken and vegetables in honey-sriracha sauce, ready in 45 minutes with perfect sweet-spicy balance.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Lindsey Carter

Style Flavor Rush

Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Nutrition labels No dairy

What you'll need

Chicken

01 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 1 tbsp cornstarch
03 1/2 tsp kosher salt
04 1/4 tsp black pepper

Sauce

01 1/3 cup honey
02 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
03 2 tbsp sriracha
04 2 tbsp rice vinegar
05 1 tbsp ketchup
06 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

Vegetables

01 1 red bell pepper, sliced
02 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
03 1 small red onion, sliced
04 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed

Cooking & Garnish

01 2 tbsp vegetable oil
02 2 green onions, sliced
03 1 tbsp sesame seeds
04 Cooked jasmine rice for serving

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Chicken Coating: Toss chicken thigh pieces with cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.

Phase 02

Make the Diablo Sauce: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, ketchup, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a separate bowl. Set aside.

Phase 03

Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Phase 04

Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Add bell peppers, red onion, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.

Phase 05

Combine and Thicken: Return chicken to the skillet. Pour sauce over chicken and vegetables. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

Phase 06

Serve: Serve immediately over jasmine rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Tools needed

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Contains soy and sesame
  • May contain gluten from soy sauce; use tamari for gluten-free version

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 315
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 29 g