Clay Pot Ginger Chicken

Name: Clay Pot Ginger Chicken
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons sugar; 1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup hot water; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 Thai red chiles, chopped, or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1 garlic clove, minced; One 4-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and cut into slivers; 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 3-by-1-inch pieces; 1 1/2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 small onion, cut into thin wedges; 2 scallions, cut into 2-inch lengths; 6 cilantro sprigs, cut into 1-inch lengths