Balancing heat, sweetness & umami, this chicken dish is an exhilarating taste of Asia's flavor symphony.
Did you know?
Did you know that the balance of sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy is essential in many Asian cuisines, and is often referred to as the 'five flavors'?
Imagine a plate of chicken so beguilingly sweet, yet teasingly spicy, that each bite takes you on a gustatory journey across the vibrant lands of Asia. The Sweet and Spicy Asian Glazed Chicken is an ode to balance and harmony, a hallmark of Asian culinary philosophy. Perfect for those who enjoy tantalizing their taste buds with the yin and yang of flavors— the smoky heat of chili, the hug-like warmth of honey, and the comforting umami of soy sauce, all meshing beautifully. With a playful kick from ginger and a hint of citrus from orange zest, this dish is an ensemble of flavors that dances in your mouth like a well-orchestrated symphony.
As you embark on preparing this dish, imagine the bustling street markets of Asia where each ingredient tells its own story. Don't hesitate to embrace the sizzle and pop of the glaze as it caramelizes on the chicken— it's the sound of centuries-old culinary traditions coming alive in your kitchen. And when you finally plate your creation, do so with pride, knowing that each morsel is a celebration of Asia's rich and diverse food culture.
Ingredients
Gather the ingredients and let's create a dish that embodies Asia's vast flavor tapestry:
The interplay of honey with chili flakes in this dish highlights the delightful contrast between sweet and spicy flavors, integral to many Asian cuisines.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 30 ml vegetable oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 15 grams fresh ginger, grated
- 60 ml honey
- 60 ml soy sauce
- 30 ml rice vinegar
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Finely sliced green onions for garnish
Steps
Get ready for an adventure in flavors, where each step adds depth to your Sweet and Spicy Asian Glazed Chicken:
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Set aside and keep warm.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic, grated ginger, and sauté for a minute till fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, orange zest and juice, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the pan and coat each breast generously with the glaze, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving warm with steamed rice or noodles.
Add some extra love
For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of fish sauce to the glaze while it's simmering, and watch the umami really pop!
Recipe Remix:
Your Twist, Your Taste
Whether you would like to swap out an ingredient, make it vegan, or just mix things up, let's get creative and remix this recipe!
Your kitchen, your rules. Let's play.
Not what you were looking for?
If this was not what you were looking for,
you can always create your own recipe!
Have You Brought This Dish to Life?
Spread the flavor by sharing your experience, tips, and rating with our food-loving community!