Chili Jam Chicken Glaze

Featured in: Comfort Family Dinners

This dish features juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky chili jam glaze that balances sweetness and heat. Roasting ensures crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and flavorful. The glaze combines chili jam, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and fresh ginger, brushed on before and after roasting to build layers of flavor. Garnished with spring onions, chili slices, cilantro, and sesame seeds, it offers a vibrant finish ideal for casual dinners or gatherings.

Updated on Sun, 15 Feb 2026 18:00:26 GMT
Sticky chili jam glazed chicken thighs with caramelized edges, served on a rustic wooden board with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.  Save to Pinterest
Sticky chili jam glazed chicken thighs with caramelized edges, served on a rustic wooden board with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. | frostkettle.com

Sticky, spicy, and perfectly caramelized, this Chili Jam Chicken Glaze is a fantastic choice for an easy weeknight dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are roasted until juicy and tender, then finished with a vibrant, sweet-heat glaze that creates a beautiful glossy texture and deep, rich color.

Sticky chili jam glazed chicken thighs with caramelized edges, served on a rustic wooden board with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.  Save to Pinterest
Sticky chili jam glazed chicken thighs with caramelized edges, served on a rustic wooden board with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. | frostkettle.com

Using chicken thighs ensures the meat remains incredibly succulent even at high temperatures. The real magic happens during the roasting process, as the glaze thickens and caramelizes over the skin, resulting in a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes. Whether you are hosting a casual gathering or just feeding the family, this recipe is a reliable winner.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.2 kg)
  • Glaze: 100 g (about 1/3 cup) chili jam, 2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free), 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
  • Garnish (optional): 2 spring onions (thinly sliced), 1 red chili (thinly sliced), fresh cilantro leaves, toasted sesame seeds
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and arrange them skin-side up on the prepared tray. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Mix the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the chili jam, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
Step 4: Initial Glazing
Brush a generous layer of the chili jam glaze over each chicken thigh, reserving about one-third of the glaze for later use.
Step 5: First Roast
Roast the chicken in the oven for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Second Glazing
Remove the tray from the oven. Brush the remaining reserved glaze over the chicken thighs.
Step 7: Final Roast
Return to the oven and roast for an additional 5–8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C/165°F) and the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with spring onions, chili slices, cilantro, and sesame seeds if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use an instant-read thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). Drying the chicken skin thoroughly with paper towels is a crucial step; it helps the glaze adhere properly and prevents the skin from becoming soggy. Using parchment paper is highly recommended to make cleaning up the sticky, caramelized glaze effortless.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This glaze works wonderfully with other cuts of meat as well; you can substitute the thighs with chicken drumsticks or wings, adjusting the cooking time as needed. For those who enjoy extra heat, try adding a teaspoon of sriracha or hot sauce to the glaze mixture. Always check labels on your chili jam and soy sauce to ensure they meet your dietary requirements, particularly for gluten-free diets.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these sticky chili jam thighs over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or quinoa to soak up any extra sauce. For a complete meal, pair the chicken with roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp, refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness of the glaze.

Roasted chicken thighs coated in a sweet and spicy chili jam glaze, garnished with sliced chilies and green onions for added flavor.  Save to Pinterest
Roasted chicken thighs coated in a sweet and spicy chili jam glaze, garnished with sliced chilies and green onions for added flavor. | frostkettle.com

This Chili Jam Chicken Glaze recipe is a testament to how a few high-quality ingredients can create a meal that feels both sophisticated and comforting. It is a reliable favorite that brings a touch of fusion flair to your regular dinner rotation with minimal effort.

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Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of chicken is best for this glaze?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work best, providing juicy meat and crispy skin when roasted.

Can I adjust the spice level in the glaze?

Yes, adding sriracha or hot sauce increases heat, while reducing chili jam lessens spiciness.

Is it necessary to brush the glaze twice?

Brushing before roasting infuses flavor, and applying it after ensures a sticky, caramelized finish.

What are suitable side dishes for this chicken?

Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad complement the sweet-spicy glaze well.

Can I use other chicken cuts?

Yes, drumsticks or wings can substitute; just adjust roasting time accordingly.

Chili Jam Chicken Glaze

Tender chicken thighs enhanced with a sticky, sweet-spicy chili jam glaze and fresh garnishes.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Time to Cook
35 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Created by Nora Whitman


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Fusion

Makes 4 Serving Size

Dietary Information No Dairy, Wheat-Free

What You Need

Chicken

01 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, approximately 2.6 lbs

Glaze

01 1/3 cup chili jam
02 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
03 1 tablespoon honey
04 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
05 1 clove garlic, minced
06 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Garnish

01 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
02 1 red chili, thinly sliced
03 Fresh cilantro leaves
04 Toasted sesame seeds

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare oven and baking surface: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 02

Season chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and arrange skin-side up on the prepared tray. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 03

Prepare glaze mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together chili jam, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger until smooth.

Step 04

Apply initial glaze: Brush a generous layer of chili jam glaze over each chicken thigh, reserving approximately one-third of the glaze for the final coating.

Step 05

First roasting phase: Roast chicken in preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 06

Apply final glaze: Remove tray from oven and brush remaining glaze over chicken thighs.

Step 07

Complete roasting: Return to oven and roast for additional 5-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and glaze is caramelized and sticky.

Step 08

Rest and serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then transfer to serving platter. Garnish with spring onions, chili slices, cilantro, and sesame seeds if desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Pastry brush
  • Instant-read thermometer

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. Ask a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains soy from soy sauce
  • May contain sesame if using as garnish
  • Verify chili jam and soy sauce labels for gluten and other allergens

Nutrition Details (Each Serving)

Given for informational purposes, this isn't medical advice.
  • Energy Value: 340
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 29 g