Description
This Sticky Spicy Chili Crisp Chicken features juicy grilled or baked chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and fiery glaze made with chili crisp, honey, and lime. It’s bold, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- Juice of ½ lime
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (for chili crisp)
- 1.5 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- ½ tsp kosher salt (for chili crisp)
- ¼ cup neutral oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Juice of ½ lime (for glaze)
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- Optional: steamed jasmine rice, lime wedges, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- In a bowl or bag, combine olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours).
- To prepare the chili crisp base, place minced garlic, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, and salt in a heatproof bowl. Heat neutral oil to 350°F and pour over mixture. Let steep for 10–30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.
- Alternative methods: air fry at 400°F for 25 minutes or bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- In a bowl, mix bloomed chili crisp with honey, melted butter, paprika, black pepper, lime juice, and sesame oil. Stir to form a smooth glaze.
- Toss hot cooked chicken in the glaze until well coated. Serve immediately with rice, lime wedges, and cilantro, if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken tenders for quicker cooking and kid-friendly portions.
- Adjust chili flake amount for milder or spicier heat.
- Chili crisp can be made ahead and stored for up to 5 days.
- Maple syrup can replace honey for a deeper flavor.
- Serve with noodles, wraps, or salads for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
