Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs (Print version)

Crisp-skinned chicken thighs baked with a sticky sweet chili, garlic, ginger, and lime glaze.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken

01 - 4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, about 2 to 2 1/4 lb (900 g to 1 kg)
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the sweet chili glaze

04 - 3/4 cup (180 ml) Thai sweet chili sauce
05 - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
07 - 1 teaspoon lime zest
08 - 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
09 - 2 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced
10 - 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
11 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
12 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

For serving

13 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
14 - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
15 - Lime wedges
16 - Cooked rice or steamed vegetables

# Instructions:

01 - Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 400°F. Pat the chicken thighs very dry and season all over with salt and pepper.
02 - Place the thighs skin-side down in a cold large oven-safe skillet. Set over medium heat and cook undisturbed for 15-18 minutes, until the skin is deep golden and releases easily.
03 - While the chicken cooks, whisk sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, lime zest, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
04 - Transfer the chicken to a plate. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the skillet. Return the chicken skin-side up, spoon the glaze over the thighs, and bake for 12-16 minutes, until the thickest part reaches 165°F.
05 - For a stickier top, broil for 1-2 minutes until the glaze bubbles and darkens in spots. Watch closely because the sauce can burn fast.
06 - Rest for 5 minutes. Spoon pan sauce over the chicken, then finish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges. Serve with rice or vegetables.

# Good to know:

01 - Best with bone-in, skin-on thighs for juicy meat and crisp skin.
02 - Use a thermometer and cook poultry to at least 165°F.
03 - Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.