The Best Sweet And Spicy Chicken (A 20-Minute Skillet Dinner!)
Hello, my friends, and get ready for a recipe that is going to save your busy weeknights! If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that is unbelievably fast, incredibly easy, and bursting with a fantastic sweet and spicy flavor, then this is the recipe for you. This Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Chicken is a true…
Hello, my friends, and get ready for a recipe that is going to save your busy weeknights! If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that is unbelievably fast, incredibly easy, and bursting with a fantastic sweet and spicy flavor, then this is the recipe for you. This Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Chicken is a true one-skillet wonder that the whole family will love.
The magic of this dish is its brilliant simplicity. We take tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken, season them with zesty taco seasoning, and then simmer them in the most amazing, 2-ingredient sauce made from chunky salsa and sweet peach preserves. The result is a wonderfully balanced, savory, sweet, and slightly spicy glaze that perfectly coats every piece of chicken. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this is a complete, satisfying meal that goes from your fridge to the dinner table in just 20 minutes!
Why You’ll Be Absolutely Obsessed With This Recipe
This is guaranteed to be your new go-to for a quick and flavorful dinner.
- Ready in 20 Minutes Flat: This is the ultimate fast meal. It’s perfect for those chaotic evenings when you need to get a delicious dinner on the table without any fuss.
- Incredible Flavor from 2 Simple Ingredients: The combination of store-bought salsa and peach preserves is a genius shortcut that creates a complex, perfectly balanced sweet and spicy sauce with zero effort.
- A True One-Pan Wonder: From browning the chicken to simmering the sauce, everything happens in a single skillet, which means fantastic flavor and minimal cleanup.
- A Guaranteed Family Favorite: The savory, sweet, and mildly spicy flavor profile is a massive hit with both kids and adults, making it a perfect, stress-free family meal.
Gather Your Simple, Flavorful Ingredients: What You’ll Need
This impressive dinner comes together with just a handful of powerful pantry staples.
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 to 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 2/3 cups chunky salsa
- 1/2 cup peach preserves
- Hot cooked rice, for serving
Crafting Your Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s get this quick and delicious meal on the table. It’s almost too easy!
- Season the Chicken: Place the taco seasoning in a large shallow dish or a bowl. Add the cubed chicken and stir to coat every piece evenly in the seasoning.
- Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and no longer pink.
- Create the Sauce: Now for the magic! Pour the chunky salsa and the peach preserves directly into the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together to combine.
- Simmer and Serve: Bring the sauce to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This is just long enough for the chicken to heat through and for the flavors of the sauce to meld together.
- Enjoy! Serve the hot Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Chicken and its delicious sauce over a bed of fluffy, hot cooked rice.
Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place taco seasoning in a large shallow dish or bowl; add the cubed chicken and stir to coat completely.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Combine the salsa and peach preserves; stir this mixture into the skillet with the chicken.
- Bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Serve immediately over hot cooked rice.
Notes
Wise Tips for the Best Sweet and Spicy Chicken
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When you’re browning the chicken, make sure it’s in a single layer in the skillet. This allows it to get a nice sear rather than just steaming. If your skillet isn’t big enough, it’s better to work in two batches.
- Choose Your Salsa Wisely: Since the salsa is a key flavor component, use a brand and heat level that you love! A medium or hot chunky salsa will give you a spicier final dish, while a mild salsa will keep it more on the sweet side.
- Cut Chicken into Even Pieces: Taking a moment to cut your chicken into uniform, 1/2-inch cubes ensures that it all cooks quickly and evenly.
- The Perfect Pairing: Simple, fluffy white or brown rice is the perfect base to soak up every last drop of that incredible sweet and spicy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Chicken
Can I use a different kind of preserves?
Yes! While peach is fantastic, this recipe would also be delicious with apricot preserves or even orange marmalade for a different sweet and tangy flavor profile.
What should I serve with this?
This is a great one-dish meal, but it’s also wonderful with a simple side of steamed green beans, a fresh corn salsa, or a simple side salad to round out the meal.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be incredibly juicy and flavorful in this recipe. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave, making it a fantastic next-day lunch.
Conclusion
This Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Chicken is a true weeknight hero. It’s an incredibly fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients or a lot of time to create a dinner that the whole family will rave about. Enjoy!
