Finding reliable and Easy Dinner Recipes For Family often feels like a never ending quest. You want something that tastes amazing but does not keep you in the kitchen all night. We have all been there. It is 5 PM, and you are staring into the fridge wondering what to make. You need a meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. This sweet and spicy chicken recipe is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma. It is faster than ordering takeout and tastes so much fresher.
This dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet with just a hint of heat. It is one of those Simple Dinner Ideas that uses pantry staples you likely already have. The chicken gets incredibly crispy, and the sauce is sticky and rich. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste. If you are hunting for Quick Dinner Recipes For Family that deliver big flavor with minimal effort, you are in the right place. Let us get cooking.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to fall in love with this meal for so many reasons. First, it is incredibly fast. You can have a hot, homemade meal on the table in just 30 minutes. This makes it one of the best Easy Dinner Recipes For Family for those hectic evenings when time is tight. You do not need any fancy equipment or hard to find ingredients. A simple pan and a bowl are all you really need to create magic.
Another reason this dish shines is its versatility. It works perfectly as a main course served over steamed rice or noodles. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It is a fantastic option if you are looking for Easy Healthy Dinner alternatives to greasy fast food. You control the oil and sugar, so you know exactly what goes into your family’s bodies.
Finally, the texture is simply amazing. The cornstarch coating creates a light and crispy exterior on the chicken that holds up well against the sauce. It does not get soggy immediately, which is a common issue with other recipes. This texture contrast keeps every bite exciting. If you need Kid Friendly Dinners, you can easily leave out the chili flakes. The sweet soy glaze is usually a huge hit with children, making this a meal the whole family can enjoy together.
Ingredients
This recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients to build big flavor. Here is what you will need to get started on one of our favorite Easy Dinner Recipes For Family.
For The Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs (cut into 1 inch chunks)
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- oil (for frying)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 3 dried red peppers (optional)
For The Sauce
- 6 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this dish is straightforward and fun. Follow these steps to create one of the most delicious and Easy Dinner Recipes For Family you have ever tasted.
Step 1: Coat The Chicken
Start by preparing your chicken. Take the chicken thigh chunks and place them in a large bowl. Pour the 1/3 cup of cornstarch over the meat. Use your hands or a spoon to toss the chicken well. You want to ensure every single piece is thoroughly covered in a thin layer of cornstarch. This step is crucial for getting that crispy texture we all love in Quick Dinner Recipes For Family. Set the bowl aside for a moment.
Step 2: Mix The Sauce
Next, grab a medium bowl to prepare your sauce. Add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, hot sauce, water, brown sugar, and the tablespoon of cornstarch. Whisk everything together vigorously. Make sure the brown sugar and cornstarch are completely dissolved so there are no lumps. Set this mixture aside. If your family loves extra sauce to pour over rice, you can double these ingredients. Having extra sauce is always a good idea for Simple Dinner Ideas like this.
Step 3: Fry The Chicken
Place a large pan or wok on the stove. Add enough vegetable oil so it reaches about the middle of the pan depth wise. You want enough oil to shallow fry the chicken effectively. Turn the heat to medium to high. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the chicken pieces. Fry them until they are crispy and turn a beautiful golden color. This usually takes a few minutes per side. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if you need to.
Step 4: Cook Aromatics
Once the chicken is crispy, remove it from the pan and set it on a paper towel lined plate. Carefully pour out most of the oil from the pan, saving just about one tablespoon. Discard the rest safely. Return the pan to the stove on low heat. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and red chili flakes. Cook these gently for about 30 seconds. You just want to smell the garlic. Be very careful here, as garlic burns easily and can turn bitter.
Step 5: Combine And Serve
Add the fried chicken back into the pan with the aromatics and toss them together. Give your sauce mixture a quick stir to recombine it, then pour it into the pan. Stir constantly to coat the chicken well. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute. You will see the sauce bubble and thicken rapidly as it coats the meat. Once it is thick and glossy, turn off the heat. Serve immediately with fluffy white rice for one of the best Easy Dinner Recipes For Family.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, you are in luck. This dish reheats reasonably well, although the chicken might lose a bit of its initial crunch. Store any remaining chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. This makes it a solid option for meal prep if you need Simple Dinner Ideas for the week ahead.
To reheat, it is best to use a skillet or an air fryer rather than a microwave. Heating it in a pan over medium heat helps restore some of the texture to the coating. If the sauce has become too thick in the fridge, add a splash of water when reheating to loosen it up. We do not recommend freezing this dish once it is mixed with the sauce, as the breading can become mushy upon thawing.
Tips
To ensure this recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful hints. First, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb it and become greasy instead of crispy. You can test the oil by dropping a tiny pinch of cornstarch in; if it sizzles immediately, you are ready to go. This trick is essential for many Quick Dinner Recipes For Family that involve frying.
Second, do not skip the cornstarch in the sauce. It is the thickening agent that transforms the liquid into a rich, glossy glaze that clings to the meat. Without it, your sauce will be watery. Also, feel free to customize the vegetables. While this recipe focuses on chicken, adding bell peppers or broccoli during the stir fry step is a great way to add nutrition. This turns the dish into an even more robust Easy Healthy Dinner option.
Lastly, prep all your ingredients before you turn on the stove. This style of cooking moves very fast. Once the oil is hot, you will not have time to chop garlic or measure sauce. Having everything ready in bowls, known as mise en place, makes the process stress free. This organization is the secret to mastering Easy Dinner Recipes For Family without feeling overwhelmed.
Conclusion
This sweet and spicy chicken is truly a winner when it comes to Easy Dinner Recipes For Family. It delivers on flavor, texture, and speed, checking every box for a successful weeknight meal. Whether you are a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, you will appreciate how straightforward and rewarding this recipe is. It proves that you do not need to spend hours in the kitchen to serve something special.
So next time you are stuck wondering what to cook, remember this dish. It is better than takeout, cheaper, and likely healthier too. Gather your ingredients and give it a try tonight. Your family will thank you for it, and you might just find your new favorite go to meal among your collection of Easy Dinner Recipes For Family.
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. However, chicken thighs are recommended for Easy Dinner Recipes For Family like this because they remain juicy and tender even at high heat. Breast meat can dry out faster, so be careful not to overcook it if you make the swap.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
To make this recipe gluten free, you simply need to substitute the soy sauce with Tamari or coconut aminos. Cornstarch is naturally gluten free, so the coating and thickener are safe. Always check the labels on your specific ingredients to be sure.
How Can I Make This Kid Friendly?
This dish is easily adapted for Kid Friendly Dinners. To reduce the heat, simply omit the red chili flakes and the dried red peppers. You can also leave out the hot sauce in the glaze or serve it on the side for the adults. The sweet and savory flavor profile is usually very popular with kids.
What Should I Serve With This?
Steamed white or brown rice is the classic pairing to soak up the delicious sauce. You could also serve it over noodles or alongside stir fried vegetables like bok choy or broccoli. These additions make it one of the most versatile and Simple Dinner Ideas for any night of the week.
Sweet and Spicy Chicken
This sweet and spicy chicken recipe is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma. It is faster than ordering takeout and tastes so much fresher. This dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet with just a hint of heat. It’s a fantastic option if you are looking for easy healthy dinner alternatives.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by preparing your chicken. Take the chicken thigh chunks and place them in a large bowl. Pour the 1/3 cup of cornstarch over the meat. Use your hands or a spoon to toss the chicken well. You want to ensure every single piece is thoroughly covered in a thin layer of cornstarch. Set the bowl aside for a moment.
- Next, grab a medium bowl to prepare your sauce. Add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, hot sauce, water, brown sugar, and the tablespoon of cornstarch. Whisk everything together vigorously. Make sure the brown sugar and cornstarch are completely dissolved so there are no lumps. Set this mixture aside.
- Place a large pan or wok on the stove. Add enough vegetable oil so it reaches about the middle of the pan depth wise. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the chicken pieces. Fry them until they are crispy and turn a beautiful golden color. This usually takes a few minutes per side. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if you need to.
- Once the chicken is crispy, remove it from the pan and set it on a paper towel lined plate. Carefully pour out most of the oil from the pan, saving just about one tablespoon. Discard the rest safely. Return the pan to the stove on low heat. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and red chili flakes. Cook these gently for about 30 seconds. Be very careful here, as garlic burns easily and can turn bitter.
- Add the fried chicken back into the pan with the aromatics and toss them together. Give your sauce mixture a quick stir to recombine it, then pour it into the pan. Stir constantly to coat the chicken well. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute. You will see the sauce bubble and thicken rapidly as it coats the meat. Once it is thick and glossy, turn off the heat. Serve immediately with fluffy white rice.
Notes
If you have leftovers, store any remaining chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
To reheat, use a skillet or an air fryer to help restore texture. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water when reheating.
Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to prevent it from becoming greasy. Test by dropping a tiny pinch of cornstarch; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
Do not skip the cornstarch in the sauce; it’s essential for a rich, glossy glaze. Feel free to customize with vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.
Prep all your ingredients before cooking, known as mise en place. This will make the fast-paced cooking process stress-free.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
