why make this recipe
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy meal that everyone will love. Using an air fryer makes the chicken crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, without all the extra oil from deep frying. The combination of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce creates a tasty glaze that adds flavor and a bit of spice. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
how to make Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 3 tbsp of soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Directions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispy chicken skin.
- Season the chicken thighs with avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry the chicken skin side down at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
- Sticky Glaze: In a separate small bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce.
- Baste the chicken a few times with the sticky sauce while roasting or air frying. You want the chicken to be caramelized. I basted the chicken at least 3 times to get a nice coat of the glaze.
- Add another 10 minutes of cooking time to the chicken or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For an extra crispy finish, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning and ensure that the chicken skin becomes beautifully caramelized.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve your Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs over a bed of jasmine rice or with your favorite vegetable side dishes.
how to serve Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
Serve the Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs hot, over jasmine rice for a complete meal. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced dish. The sticky glaze adds flavor that balances well with the rice and veggies.
how to store Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer or microwave when you’re ready to eat again.
tips to make Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
- Make sure to dry the chicken thighs well before cooking. This helps to get the skin crispy.
- Feel free to adjust the glaze’s sweetness by adding more or less sweet chili sauce according to your taste.
- Basting the chicken during cooking helps to build flavor and gives a nice caramelized finish.
variation
You can swap out chicken thighs for chicken drumsticks or wings. The cooking time may vary slightly, so make sure to check the internal temperature.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! They will cook a bit faster, so check them for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 30-35 minutes, basting occasionally.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in the sauce beforehand and then cook it when you’re ready. Just make sure to let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Sticky Glaze
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispy chicken skin.
- Season the chicken thighs with avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Air fry the chicken skin side down at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce to create the sticky glaze.
- Baste the chicken a few times with the sticky sauce while air frying for a caramelized finish.
- Add another 10 minutes of cooking time or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For an extra crispy finish, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.