Name: Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 bone-in chicken thighs (can use boneless); 1 tbsp avocado oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; ½ cup sweet chili sauce; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil

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Introduction

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that delivers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe uses an air fryer to create crispy, caramelized chicken thighs coated in a deliciously sticky glaze. It’s a great weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.

A white scalloped bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is white rice with small green onion pieces scattered on top, the middle layer shows a piece of grilled chicken with a shiny, caramelized, dark brown crust, and the top layer is a woman's hand holding a bite-sized piece of the same glossy grilled chicken close to the center. To the side inside the bowl, there is a fresh salad made of thinly sliced green cucumbers, red radish slices, and halved cherry tomatoes, all vibrant and colorful. The bowl rests on a light wood surface with a soft gray cloth nearby, and in the background, there are some green leaves blurred out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 bone-in chicken thighs (boneless can also be used)
1 tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ cup sweet chili sauce
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy skin.
Step 3: Season the chicken thighs evenly with avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Place the chicken skin side down in the air fryer and cook at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to make the sticky glaze.
Step 6: Baste the chicken several times with the sticky glaze while it roasts, aiming to coat it well and achieve caramelization. Baste at least three times.
Step 7: Continue cooking the chicken for an additional 10 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 8: For an extra crispy and caramelized finish, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 9: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 10: Serve the Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs over jasmine rice or alongside your favorite vegetable sides.

Tips & Variations

For crispier skin, make sure the chicken is well dried before seasoning.
Use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer quicker cooking and easier eating.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for a bright, tangy kick.
Swap sweet chili sauce with your favorite spicy chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in an oven or air fryer at a moderate temperature to preserve crispiness and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving to keep the glaze texture intact.

How to Serve

A white scalloped bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with three pieces of glazed, charred chicken thighs that are shiny and dark golden brown with hints of black from charring; sprinkled lightly with chopped green onions. On the side, there is a small salad consisting of thinly sliced radishes, cucumber rounds, and halved cherry tomatoes, all vibrant and fresh. The bowl sits on a light wooden surface with green leafy plants blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and will cook faster. Adjust the cooking time to prevent overcooking, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What can I serve with Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried greens or noodles for a complete meal.