Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Chili Garlic Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared chicken thighs glazed with a hot chili garlic sauce for a bold, spicy dinner. This asian fusion-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends salt, black pepper, vegetable oil 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 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the pan.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the chili garlic sauce. Cook for 1 more minute.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and serve hot with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Chili Garlic 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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Chili Garlic 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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Chili Garlic 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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Chili Garlic 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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Chili Garlic Sauce?

Asian Fusion 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.

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