Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo Recipe
Introduction
Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly balances heat and sweetness. With a rich, smoky marinade and tender chicken breast cutlets, it’s a satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 4 thinly pounded chicken breast cutlets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 finely chopped scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup hot sauce, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup honey, 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika, and 2 teaspoons ground cumin; whisk thoroughly until smooth.
- Step 2: Pour half of the marinade over the chicken cutlets in a shallow dish. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on both sides and cooked through.
- Step 5: While the chicken cooks, warm the remaining marinade in a small saucepan over low heat until heated through.
- Step 6: Serve the cooked chicken cutlets drizzled with the warmed sauce and sprinkle the chopped scallions on top for a fresh finish.
- Step 7: Enjoy your Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo while hot!
Tips & Variations
- For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce or substitute with a milder chili sauce.
- Adding a squeeze of lime juice to the marinade brightens the flavors even more.
- Serve with rice or a fresh salad to complement the bold flavors.
- Try swapping vegetable oil for olive oil for a slightly richer taste.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. For best texture, avoid overcooking when reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken cutlets for even cooking, but if using frozen, thaw completely before marinating and cooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a noticeable heat from the hot sauce, but the honey and sour cream help balance the spice with sweetness and creaminess. Adjust the hot sauce amount to suit your heat preference.
PrintSpicy Sweet Chicken Diablo Recipe
Spicy Sweet Chicken Diablo is a flavorful and easy-to-make skillet dish featuring marinated chicken breast cutlets cooked to perfection and served with a tangy and spicy sauce. The marinade combines hot sauce, sour cream, ketchup, honey, smoked paprika, and cumin, creating a delicious balance of spicy, sweet, and smoky flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes to overnight (depending on marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
Chicken
- 4 thinly pounded chicken breast cutlets
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 scallions, chopped finely (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup hot sauce, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup honey, 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika, and 2 teaspoons ground cumin. Whisk all ingredients together until fully blended.
- Marinate Chicken: Pour half of the marinade mixture over the 4 thinly pounded chicken breast cutlets placed in a shallow dish. Reserve the remaining marinade for later use. Cover the dish and refrigerate. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best flavor absorption.
- Heat Oil and Garlic: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic cloves and cook briefly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Chicken: Reduce the heat to medium and add the marinated chicken cutlets to the skillet. Cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on both sides and cooked through, approximately 10-15 minutes total.
- Warm Remaining Marinade: While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Plate the cooked chicken breast cutlets, drizzle the warmed sauce over the top, and sprinkle with finely chopped scallions if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your spicy, sweet, and smoky Chicken Diablo!
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, but 30 minutes is sufficient if you’re short on time.
- Use thinly pounded chicken breasts to ensure quick and even cooking.
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the heat level according to your preference.
- If you prefer thicker sauce, you can simmer the remaining marinade longer to reduce it.
Keywords: spicy chicken, chicken diablo, skillet chicken, marinated chicken, quick dinner, spicy sweet sauce, smoky chicken

