Oh boy, let me tell you about this delicious dish: Low Syn Sweet Chilli Chicken! It has become one of my go-to recipes when I’m craving something flavorful yet light. I’ve got to admit that the secret to this recipe is the sweet chilli sauce, which gives it a wonderful kick and a hint of sweetness that dances on your taste buds. Every time I make it, I’m transported back to those dreamy summer evenings spent grilling with friends in the backyard, laughter echoing, and the scent of BBQ wafting through the air. This dish brings the same vibes — minus the grill and while keeping my diet in check!
Not only does this recipe pack a punch in flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests. And can we take a moment to appreciate a recipe that doesn’t require an extensive grocery list? You probably have most of the ingredients at home already. So, let’s dive into the details and get you whisking up this scrumptious meal in no time!
What’s in Low Syn Sweet Chilli Chicken?
- Chicken drumsticks: I love using skinless chicken drumsticks for this dish — they’re juicy and absorb the marinade perfectly.
- Sweet chilli sauce: Opt for a low-sugar sweet chilli sauce to keep the syns down. You can find this in most supermarkets, and it’s sweet and tangy flavor is irresistible.
- Soy sauce: A splash of low sodium soy sauce adds a savory depth without all the salt. It’s a pantry staple in my house!
- Garlic: We can’t forget the garlic! Fresh minced garlic brings the flavor up a notch, making everything more aromatic and tasty.
- Ginger: I use grated ginger for a refreshing kick! It pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: This adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon of sesame oil provides a lovely nutty flavor and richness to the marinade.
- Green onions: I garnish with sliced green onions because they add a pop of color and crunch at the end.
- Salt and pepper: Use these to season to your liking, but remember the marinade has a fair amount of flavor already!
Is Low Syn Sweet Chilli Chicken Good for You?
Absolutely! This Low Syn Sweet Chilli Chicken is not just delicious but also well-balanced. The chicken drumsticks provide a good source of protein, keeping you satiated. Using a low-sugar sweet chilli sauce means that you get all the flavor without the guilt. The garlic and ginger both have health benefits; garlic is known for boosting immunity and ginger can help with digestion. Just be mindful of the soy sauce — while the low sodium option is great, it might still contain gluten. If you’re looking for gluten-free alternatives, consider tamari for a similar taste! Overall, it’s a wholesome option that won’t derail your healthy eating plan!
Ingredients List
- 8 chicken drumsticks, skinless
- 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (use low-sugar option)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Low Syn Sweet Chilli Chicken?
- First things first, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). We want it nice and hot for crispy chicken!
- In a bowl, mix together the sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper to create a delectable marinade.
- Take your chicken drumsticks and toss them into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour that fabulous marinade all over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes (or if you have the time, overnight is best!).
- Once marinated, arrange the drumsticks on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. I love this step because it makes cleanup so much easier!
- Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Flip them halfway through this process, so both sides get that lovely golden color and cook thoroughly.
- After baking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This makes them even juicier!
- Lastly, garnish with sliced green onions just before serving to add that fresh crunch and visual appeal.
Tips for the Best Low Syn Sweet Chilli Chicken
- Don’t skip on the marinating time! The longer you let the chicken soak in that marinade, the more flavor it absorbs.
- If you have leftover marinade, don’t waste it! Just boil it for a couple of minutes to make a dipping sauce that’s delicious with fresh veggies.
- Pair this dish with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to round out the meal and keep it light!
So there you have it! This Low Syn Sweet Chilli Chicken recipe is a keeper. If you decide to make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Feel free to share your thoughts or any twists you made. Cooking is all about experimenting, and who knows, you might just create the next big hit in your kitchen!