This easy sweet chili chicken marinade packs a flavorful punch! With just sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and a hint of garlic, your chicken will be tasty and juicy.
I love how simple it is to whip up this marinade. Just mix it up, soak your chicken, and you’re ready to grill or bake! Perfect for weeknight dinners! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the star of the marinade, giving a sweet and spicy flavor. If you can’t find sweet chili sauce, you can make a simple alternative by mixing equal parts of honey and sriracha.
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness, but breasts also work fine. For a leaner option, turkey cutlets are a great substitute!
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is best for flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, garlic powder (1 teaspoon) can work as a substitute.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness. If limes aren’t available, fresh lemon juice or vinegar can provide a nice tang as well.
How Do I Get the Juiciest Chicken from this Marinade?
The key to juicy chicken lies in marinating it properly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, aim for 2-4 hours or even overnight in the fridge.
- Use a zip-top bag for easy flipping and to ensure the marinade evenly coats the chicken.
- Always let excess marinade drip off before grilling to avoid flare-ups and ensure a nice char.
After grilling, don’t skip the resting step! Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist when you slice into it.
Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade and chicken. Make sure to allow at least 30 minutes for marinating, although 2-4 hours is ideal for deeper flavor. Grilling will take an additional 10-15 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and ground black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and you have a tasty marinade ready for the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken pieces and place them in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are nicely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, though 2-4 hours is recommended!
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Be sure to oil the grates lightly to prevent the chicken from sticking as it cooks.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F and have a nice char on the edges. Make sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
5. Glaze (Optional):
If you’d like an extra boost of flavor, during the last few minutes of grilling, you can brush some of the reserved marinade over the chicken to enhance the glaze and sweetness.
6. Let It Rest:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help keep the juices locked in.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the grilled chicken and serve it with grilled corn or your favorite sides. Don’t forget to garnish with lime slices for an extra burst of freshness!
This marinade truly creates a deliciously juicy chicken with sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy notes—perfect for summer barbecues or any casual dinner! Enjoy! 🍗✨
FAQ for Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade Recipe
Can I Use Other Proteins for This Marinade?
Absolutely! This marinade works well with shrimp, tofu, or pork. Just make sure to adjust the marinating time: shrimp only need about 15-30 minutes, while pork can marinate similarly to chicken.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. If you’re in a pinch, you can marinate for 15 minutes, but longer is better for flavor absorption.
Can I Save Leftover Marinade for Later Use?
It’s best to discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken to avoid foodborne illness. However, you can make a fresh batch of the marinade to use as a glaze after cooking!
What Sides Pair Well with Sweet Chili Chicken?
This chicken pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. For a classic combo, serve it alongside grilled corn on the cob or some stir-fried greens for a balanced meal!
