Description
Sticky sweet chili chicken thighs create a mouthwatering experience with their tender, juicy meat glazed in a glossy, spicy-sweet sauce. This easy recipe, perfect for dinner or potlucks, features versatile chicken thighs that can be paired with rice, salads, or even tacos. The air fryer ensures a crispy finish while keeping the dish healthy and quick to prepare. With its unique flavor profile, this dish will surely impress family and friends at any meal.
Ingredients
- 4–6 chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless, skin-on for crispiness
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, low-sodium preferred
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- cilantro, optional for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of sweet chili sauce, ¼ cup of soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger.
- Add 4-6 chicken thighs and toss until well coated.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and allow it to come closer to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Place the thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- Cook the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes.
- Flip them halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- In the last few minutes of cooking, brush on additional sweet chili sauce over each thigh.
- Let it cook for another minute or two until caramelized.
- Once cooked through, remove the sticky sweet chili chicken thighs from the air fryer.
- Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Storage: Store any leftover sticky sweet chili chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain quality.
Reheating: To reheat the chicken thighs, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Microwaving is also an option, but may result in less crispy skin.
Serving: Serve the sticky sweet chili chicken thighs hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for added flavor. Pair them with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal. Drizzle any remaining sweet chili sauce over the dish for an extra kick.
Chef’s Tip: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight if time allows. This enhances the taste and tenderness of the meat. Additionally, using skin-on thighs will yield a crispier texture, so don’t skip this step for a deliciously crunchy finish!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: AirFry
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 0