Flavorful & Easy Kickin Chicken Recipe - Perfect for Weeknights
This Kickin Chicken recipe is incredibly flavorful and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a vibrant, slightly spicy, and irresistible sauce, ready in under an hour. Serve over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet 12-inch skillet
- 2 Mixing Bowls Small and medium size
- 1 Whisk For sauce and slurry
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium recommended
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- optional Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by patting your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown beautifully when we cook them. Season generously with salt and pepper. Tip: Don't skip patting the chicken dry – it's a simple step that makes a big difference in texture!
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in minced garlic and chopped bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper is slightly tender and the garlic is fragrant. Technique Tip: Cooking the aromatics first builds a flavorful base for our sauce.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook in a single layer, if possible, browning on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through at this point, we’ll finish it in the sauce. Safety First: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safely cooked.
- In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Flavor Hack: Taste the sauce at this stage and adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. In another small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through. Pro Tip: Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to reach the perfect consistency.
- Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is thickened, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and get ready to enjoy every flavorful bite! Serving Suggestion: This Kickin Chicken is fantastic served over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Notes
- Chicken Thighs: Don’t have thighs? No problem! You can easily substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and be mindful not to overcook them, as breasts tend to dry out faster than thighs.
- Bell Pepper: Feel free to swap red bell pepper for any color you have on hand – green, yellow, or orange all work wonderfully. For a different flavor profile, try adding sliced mushrooms or zucchini along with the peppers.
- Soy Sauce: If you’re watching your sodium intake or prefer a gluten-free option, coconut aminos are a fantastic substitute for soy sauce. They offer a similar savory depth with a touch of sweetness.