Salty Sweet Chicken Recipe: Tender, Juicy, & Flavorful

Updated at: 13/06/2025

Craving a chicken dish that's both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than our Salty Sweet Chicken recipe! This dish perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors, resulting in a succulent, tender chicken that's guaranteed to become a family favorite. Forget bland, boring chicken – this recipe delivers a complex taste profile that will tantalize your taste buds with every bite. The perfectly crisped skin contrasts beautifully with the juicy, flavorful meat within, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. We use readily available ingredients to achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

Forget complicated techniques and long cooking times; this recipe is designed for simplicity and speed. The perfectly balanced sweet and salty flavors are achieved through a simple yet effective marinade and a quick pan-fry. Ready to create this delicious meal? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to make your own sensational Salty Sweet Chicken.

Tools Needed

  • Pan
  • Knife

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: 700g
  • Fish sauce: 3.5 tablespoons
  • MSG: 0.5 teaspoon
  • Sugar: 2 tablespoons
  • Minced shallots: 1 tablespoon
  • Minced garlic: 1 tablespoon
  • Chili sauce: 2 tablespoons
  • Cooking oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Chicken

  • Remove bones from chicken thighs. This makes it easier to eat, especially for children.
  • Wash chicken with salt water to clean it.
  • Fry chicken pieces in a pan with cooking oil until lightly golden.
Remove bones from chicken thighs. This makes it easier to eat, especially for children.Wash chicken with salt water to clean it.Fry chicken pieces in a pan with cooking oil until lightly golden.
Prepare the Chicken

Step 2. Make the Salty-Sweet Sauce

  • Mix fish sauce, MSG, sugar, minced shallots, minced garlic, and chili sauce.
  • Add garlic and shallots to the pan and saute.
  • Add the sauce to the pan.
Prepare the sauce: Mix fish sauce, MSG, sugar, minced shallots, minced garlic, and chili sauce.Add garlic and shallots to the pan and saute.Add the sauce to the pan.
Make the Salty-Sweet Sauce

Step 3. Combine and Simmer

  • Add the fried chicken to the pan and stir well to coat with the sauce.
  • Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
Add the fried chicken to the pan and stir well to coat with the sauce.Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
Combine and Simmer

Step 4. Serve

  • Cut the chicken into smaller pieces for serving.
Cut the chicken into smaller pieces for serving.
Serve

Read more: Quick & Easy Dry Chicken Noodle Pho Recipe

Tips

  • Using domestic chicken will result in a slightly tougher texture compared to industrial chicken.
  • Fry the chicken slowly and evenly to achieve a beautiful golden color.
  • No need to add water as the ingredients will release their own juices.
  • The double frying and stir-frying process ensures a flavorful and tender result.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Both work great! Bone-in thighs will be slightly more flavorful and tender, but boneless are quicker to cook.

2. What can I substitute for the honey in the glaze?

Maple syrup or agave nectar are excellent substitutes. They'll provide a similar sweetness.


This Salty Sweet Chicken recipe delivers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. The ease of preparation makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the irresistible taste of perfectly balanced salty and sweet chicken!