When it comes to whipping up a dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress, these Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in the air fryer are a game-changer. This dish brings a mouthwatering combination of sweet, spicy, and savory notes with an irresistible sticky glaze that caramelizes perfectly. Whether you choose to air fry or bake, this recipe offers a convenient and delicious way to elevate chicken thighs to new heights.
PrintSticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Sticky, sweet, and irresistibly spicy! These air fryer chicken thighs are a game changer for dinner. 😋✨ #StickyChiliThighs #AirFryerMagic #SweetAndSpicy #QuickMeals #CrispyChicken #DinnerIsServed #FlavorExplosion #MidweekFeast #EasyRecipes #SavoryBites 🍗🔥
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the perfect choice for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil: This high-smoke-point oil ensures a nice crisp on the chicken skin.
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper: Adds a hint of citrusy brightness and subtle heat.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a rich, savory depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Balances the other seasonings.
For the Sticky Glaze:
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce: The star ingredient, lending sweet and spicy flavors.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami and depth.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Contributes a hint of savory richness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Rounds out the glaze with a nutty finish.
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Thighs
Preheat your oven or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for rendering the fat beneath the chicken skin, creating a crispy exterior.
Tip: Patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel is essential. Removing excess moisture ensures that the skin crisps up beautifully during cooking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix the avocado oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture generously over the chicken thighs, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
- Air Fryer Method: Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- Oven Method: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and arrange the chicken thighs skin side down. Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes, then flip and roast for an additional 10 minutes until the skin is crispy.
Pro Tip: For both methods, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking helps to achieve even browning.
Step 4: Making the Sticky Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the glaze. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. The sauce should be well combined, creating a rich, sticky base that will coat the chicken.
Step 5: Applying the Glaze
Baste the chicken thighs with the sticky glaze several times during the final stages of cooking. If using the air fryer, apply the glaze after 15 minutes and continue basting every few minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For the oven, start basting after the initial 20 minutes, then continue every 5 minutes as you roast for another 10 minutes.
Note: Frequent basting helps build layers of flavor and ensures that the sauce caramelizes properly.
Step 6: Broiling for Extra Crispiness (Optional)
For an added touch of crispiness, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to prevent burning, as the sugar content in the glaze can darken quickly. The result should be a beautifully caramelized chicken with a sticky, glossy finish.
Step 7: Resting and Serving
Once the chicken is fully cooked and caramelized, remove it from the air fryer or oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.
Serving Suggestion: These Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are perfect over a bed of jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful glaze, or alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Don’t skip patting the chicken dry: This is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Monitor the broiler: Broiling adds beautiful caramelization, but it’s essential to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something special about the way sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil meld together to create a deep, complex flavor profile. The ease of using an air fryer means crispy, golden skin with minimal fuss, while baking provides a reliable, equally tasty alternative. With just a handful of common pantry ingredients, you can create a meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is perfectly suited for a cozy night at home.
Ingredients Breakdown
To make these Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs, you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the perfect choice for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil: This high-smoke-point oil ensures a nice crisp on the chicken skin.
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper: Adds a hint of citrusy brightness and subtle heat.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a rich, savory depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Balances the other seasonings.
For the Sticky Glaze:
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce: The star ingredient, lending sweet and spicy flavors.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami and depth.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Contributes a hint of savory richness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Rounds out the glaze with a nutty finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Thighs
Preheat your oven or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for rendering the fat beneath the chicken skin, creating a crispy exterior.
Tip: Patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel is essential. Removing excess moisture ensures that the skin crisps up beautifully during cooking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix the avocado oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture generously over the chicken thighs, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
- Air Fryer Method: Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- Oven Method: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and arrange the chicken thighs skin side down. Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes, then flip and roast for an additional 10 minutes until the skin is crispy.
Pro Tip: For both methods, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking helps to achieve even browning.
Step 4: Making the Sticky Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the glaze. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. The sauce should be well combined, creating a rich, sticky base that will coat the chicken.
Step 5: Applying the Glaze
Baste the chicken thighs with the sticky glaze several times during the final stages of cooking. If using the air fryer, apply the glaze after 15 minutes and continue basting every few minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For the oven, start basting after the initial 20 minutes, then continue every 5 minutes as you roast for another 10 minutes.
Note: Frequent basting helps build layers of flavor and ensures that the sauce caramelizes properly.
Step 6: Broiling for Extra Crispiness (Optional)
For an added touch of crispiness, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to prevent burning, as the sugar content in the glaze can darken quickly. The result should be a beautifully caramelized chicken with a sticky, glossy finish.
Step 7: Resting and Serving
Once the chicken is fully cooked and caramelized, remove it from the air fryer or oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.
Serving Suggestion: These Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are perfect over a bed of jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful glaze, or alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Flavor, Texture, and Aroma
Imagine biting into tender, juicy chicken with a crispy skin coated in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy glaze. The aroma of garlic, sesame oil, and sweet chili sauce wafts through the kitchen, building anticipation. The glaze provides a harmonious blend of sweetness and heat, with umami undertones from the soy and oyster sauces. Each bite delivers a complex burst of flavors that dance on your taste buds, making it hard to resist reaching for seconds.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs or chicken drumsticks can be used, but cooking times will vary.
- Avocado Oil: Substitute with olive oil or vegetable oil if needed.
- Oyster Sauce: Hoisin sauce or an extra tablespoon of soy sauce can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: For a spicier kick, mix sweet chili sauce with a spoonful of sriracha or hot sauce.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip patting the chicken dry: This is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Monitor the broiler: Broiling adds beautiful caramelization, but it’s essential to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Final Thoughts
These Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are a testament to how a simple weeknight dinner can be elevated with just the right blend of flavors and a touch of care. With crispy, caramelized skin and a glaze that brings sweet, savory, and spicy notes, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Whether air-fried for quick cooking or oven-baked for an equally satisfying result, this recipe ensures a delightful meal every time.