Dinner

Spicy-Sweet Chicken Diablo Recipe

ByElara Stone February 25, 2026February 25, 2026

Introduction

This Spicy-Sweet Chicken Diablo recipe combines bold flavors with a creamy, tangy sauce that brings a delightful kick to your dinner table. Perfectly marinated and cooked chicken breasts are topped with a flavorful sauce and fresh green onions for a satisfying meal.

A white plate is filled with a bed of cooked white rice, fluffy and slightly separated. On top of the rice, there is a grilled piece of chicken breast with dark brown char marks and a golden-yellow color from seasoning. A spoon is pouring a smooth, thick, orange-brown sauce over the chicken, creating a glossy layer that partially covers the meat. The background shows a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup hot sauce
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, sour cream, ketchup, and honey. Add paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, then whisk until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Pour half of the sauce mixture over the pounded chicken breasts. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to marinate.
Step 3: When ready to cook, heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Meanwhile, heat the remaining sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm.
Step 6: Spoon the warmed sauce over the cooked chicken and garnish with thinly sliced green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the marinade.
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
To keep chicken juicy, avoid overcooking and let it rest a few minutes before serving.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

The image shows a round black cast-iron pan with three grilled chicken breasts that are golden brown with charred spots on top. A silver metal spatula lies across the pan, partially resting on one chicken breast. Below the pan is a small round black bowl filled with a brown sauce. To the right side, there is a white plate with a single piece of grilled chicken placed over a bed of white rice, and the chicken has a reddish sauce on top. The utensils, a knife and a fork, are placed beside the plate on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier. Adjust cooking time as needed, usually about 4-5 minutes per side.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat comes mainly from the hot sauce and can be adjusted to taste by selecting a milder sauce or adding less. The honey and sour cream help balance the spiciness with sweetness and creaminess.