Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breasts work well too. For a vegetarian twist, try marinating tofu or portobello mushrooms!

Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the star of the marinade! If you’re in a pinch, you can use homemade sweet chili sauce made from sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes. For a lower sugar version, look for sugar-free alternatives.

Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness. If you don’t have limes, lemon juice is a fine substitute. Alternatively, you can use vinegar for a different tangy flavor!

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a lovely aroma. If you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic works too, but I suggest using fresh for the best taste.

How Do You Achieve the Best Grilled Chicken?

Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with the right technique, it can turn out juicy and flavorful. Here are some tips to help you out:

• Marination Time: Letting the chicken marinate longer (up to 2 hours) intensifies the flavors. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes makes a difference!
• Preheat the Grill: Always preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. This helps create those nice grill marks and seals in moisture.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give the chicken pieces some space on the grill. This promotes even cooking and prevents steaming.
• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety without overcooking.

Let the chicken rest after cooking for a few minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping each bite tender and juicy!

Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Chicken:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

For The Marinade:

• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish:

• Lime slices

How Much Time Will You Need?

This marinade does most of the work for you! You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep the marinade and chicken, plus a minimum of 30 minutes for marinating and about 15 minutes for grilling. Total time can range from 55 minutes to a couple of hours based on how long you let it marinate.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Marinade:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, honey, grated ginger (if you want that extra zing), and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

Take your chicken and place it in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours—this gives the flavors time to sink in.

3. Grill the Chicken:

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Take the chicken out of the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, then place the chicken directly onto the grill.

4. Cooking Time:

Grill each piece of chicken for about 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and has those beautiful grill marks. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F (75°C).

5. Let It Rest:

Once done, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle inside the meat, ensuring each bite is tender.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish with fresh lime slices for an extra burst of flavor, and serve warm. This grilled sweet chili chicken is fantastic with grilled veggies or corn on the cob. Enjoy your delicious meal!

FAQs About the Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade

Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?

Absolutely! This marinade works well with pork, shrimp, or tofu. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary—shrimp cooks faster, while pork may require more time than chicken. Adjust accordingly!

How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Marinating for more than 2 hours isn’t recommended, as the acidity in the marinade can break down the chicken too much, leading to a mushy texture.

Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make the marinade up to 3 days in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a stir before using, as some ingredients may separate over time.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chicken?

Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove. Make sure to cover it to retain moisture!