Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Chili Wonton Sauce
Tender pan-seared chicken thighs served with a homemade spicy chili sauce inspired by classic chicken wontons. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends (about 1.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 1.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp chili paste
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in chicken thighs and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes without moving until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook for another 6 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear.
- Step 3: While chicken cooks, in a small bowl combine 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp chili paste, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Mix until well combined to create the spicy chili wonton sauce.
- Step 4: Remove chicken thighs from skillet and set aside to rest. Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece to coat evenly. Cook for 1 more minute.
- Step 6: Plate the chicken thighs, drizzle with remaining sauce from the pan, and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Chili Wonton Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Chili Wonton Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Chili Wonton Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Chili Wonton Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Chili Wonton Sauce?
Chinese chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
