Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Sweet Chili Marinade (Sweet, Spicy & Perfect for Chicken, Pork & Shrimp!)

Sarah Smith
Nov 30, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Grilled shrimp skewers drizzled with sauce, garnished with herbs, on a white plate. Peas and dip in background create a fresh setting.

This Sweet Chili Marinade is sweet, spicy, tangy, and unbelievably easy — the perfect way to add bold flavor to chicken, pork, shrimp, and salmon. Made with Asian sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, lime, and a touch of honey, it delivers the perfect balance of sticky-sweet heat and savory depth. It caramelizes beautifully when grilled, oven-baked, or pan-seared. Serve your sweet chili–marinated protein with cozy sides like Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, Honey-Glazed Carrots, or a crisp Broccoli Bacon Salad for a bright, flavorful dinner.

Why You’ll Love This

Sweet and savory marinade with a gentle chili heat
Smooth, glossy sauce that coats proteins beautifully
Simple ingredients with big, balanced flavor
Perfect for chicken, shrimp, pork, or quick weeknight meals

Ingredients

1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp olive oil (or sesame oil for Asian flavor)
1 tbsp honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp grated ginger (optional but recommended)
1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional: pinch red pepper flakes for more heat
1.5–2 lbs chicken, pork, shrimp, or salmon

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and pepper.
Add protein to a zip-top bag or shallow dish.
Pour marinade over the meat and refrigerate:
- Chicken: 1–8 hours
- Pork: 1–8 hours
- Shrimp: 15–30 minutes
- Salmon: 20–30 minutes
Remove from the marinade and discard excess.
Grill, roast, or sear until cooked through.
Rest briefly before serving.

Marinade Time

Chicken: 1–8 hours
Pork: 1–8 hours
Salmon: 20–30 minutes
Shrimp: 15–30 minutes
Max: 8 hours for meats

Cook Time

10–20 minutes depending on protein & method

Storage

Unused marinade: 4–5 days
Raw meat in marinade: Follow times above
Cooked protein: 3–4 days
Freezer: Freeze meat + marinade up to 2 months (not shrimp)

Best Proteins for Sweet Chili Marinade

Chicken breasts
Chicken thighs
Chicken tenders
Pork chops
Pork tenderloin
Salmon
Shrimp
Tofu or veggie skewers

FAQ

Is sweet chili sauce very spicy?

It’s mild to medium. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha if you want more heat.

Can I use this marinade for stir-fry?

Yes! Boil leftover marinade for 3–5 minutes and toss with veggies or noodles.

Does sweet chili sauce burn easily?

It caramelizes fast, so grill over medium heat, not high.

Can I use lemon instead of lime?

Yes — lime is preferred, but lemon works in a pinch.

Does this work for air frying?

Definitely — brush extra sauce on halfway through cooking for stickier results.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Chili Marinade is one of those simple recipes that instantly elevates everyday meals. With its perfect balance of sweet heat, tangy lime, and savory depth, it turns ordinary proteins into something crave-worthy with very little effort. Whether you’re grilling on a summer evening or baking dinner on a busy weeknight, this marinade delivers bold flavor and beautiful caramelization every time. Keep it in your back pocket for easy, flavorful meals that feel special but stay wonderfully simple.