Golden Thai Caramel Chicken with a Glossy Sweet-Chili Kiss
Description
Golden Thai Caramel Chicken is a rich, sweet-savory dish featuring tender chicken coated in a glossy caramelized sauce infused with Thai flavors. The sauce blends golden caramel notes, sweet chili heat, garlic, and umami depth for a restaurant-style finish. It’s sticky, slightly spicy, and beautifully balanced — perfect with steamed rice or noodles.
This dish combines quick cooking with bold flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special meals.
Preparation & Cooking Time
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy–Medium
Ingredients
For the Chicken
500 g boneless chicken thighs or breast (bite-size pieces)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
2 tbsp cooking oil
For the Thai Caramel Sauce
4 tbsp sugar (white or brown)
3 tbsp water
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp ginger (grated)
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce (optional but authentic)
1 tbsp lime juice
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
¼ cup water or chicken stock
Garnish (Optional)
Spring onions (chopped)
Sesame seeds
Fresh coriander
Lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Toss with cornflour until lightly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Golden Caramel
In the same pan, add sugar and 3 tbsp water.
Cook on medium heat without stirring until it turns golden amber.
Carefully add garlic and ginger — stir quickly.
(Be careful — caramel is very hot.)
Step 4: Build the Thai Sauce
Add soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, fish sauce, and stock.
Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
Add lime juice and chili flakes.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Return chicken to the pan.
Toss until coated in glossy caramel sauce.
Simmer 2–3 minutes until sticky.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot with jasmine rice or noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Steamed jasmine rice
Thai fried rice
Stir-fried vegetables
Rice noodles
Cucumber salad (balances sweetness)
Pro Tips
Use chicken thighs for juicier texture.
Don’t overcook caramel — golden color gives best flavor.
Add more chili for extra heat.
For thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with water and stir in.
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
Calories: ~380 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fat: 16 g
(Varies by ingredients used.)
Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I make it without fish sauce?
Yes. Replace with extra soy sauce or a pinch of salt.
Q2: Is this very spicy?
No — it’s mild sweet heat. Adjust chili flakes to taste.
Q3: Can I use chicken with bones?
Yes, but cooking time will increase by 10–15 minutes.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.
Q5: Can I make it healthier?
Yes — air-fry or grill chicken and reduce sugar slightly