Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs: Irresistibly Tasty Recipe

Chicken thighs glazed with sticky sweet chili sauce create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Bold and vibrant, this recipe promises a culinary adventure that will tantalize your senses.

The marinade infuses each tender piece of meat with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Golden-brown edges and a glossy exterior hint at the delectable meal waiting to be devoured.

Succulent chicken emerges from the oven with a crispy skin that crackles with every bite.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Prepare to be transported to a world of bold, irresistible flavors that will make this recipe a permanent favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Why Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Pop

• Dive into a mouthwatering blend of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that dance perfectly on your taste buds with minimal cooking skills required.
• Enjoy the flexibility of using either an air fryer or oven, making this recipe adaptable for different kitchen setups and cooking preferences.
• Whip up a restaurant-quality meal using common pantry ingredients and minimal prep time, perfect for busy home cooks craving delicious chicken.
• Create a dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or weeknight meal solutions with guaranteed satisfaction.

Ingredients for Sticky Chili Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on thighs provide rich flavor and crispy texture for this delicious dish.

• Avocado Oil: Helps create a crispy exterior and enhances overall flavor.
• Lemon Pepper, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Adds depth and aromatic seasoning to the chicken.

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides a sweet and spicy base for the caramelized coating.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the glaze.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty and distinctive Asian-inspired flavor.
• Oyster Sauce: Enhances the richness and depth of the sticky sauce.

• Jasmine Rice: Perfect complementary side for absorbing the delicious sticky glaze.

Tools for Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

• Baking Tray or Air Fryer: Essential for roasting or air frying the chicken thighs to crispy perfection.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining seasoning mix and creating the sticky sauce.
• Whisk: Helps blend the sticky sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Paper Towels: Crucial for patting chicken dry to ensure crispy skin.
• Measuring Spoons: Needed for accurate seasoning measurements.
• Basting Brush: Great for applying the sticky glaze evenly across the chicken.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for checking chicken doneness and serving.
• Meat Thermometer (optional): Helps confirm chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

Steps for Crispy Chili Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Warm Up Your Cooking Space

Preheat your oven or air fryer to 375F (190C).

Grab a paper towel and gently pat the chicken thighs until they’re completely dry.

This little trick helps create that irresistible crispy skin everyone loves.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Explosion

• Avocado oil
• Lemon pepper
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage this magical seasoning blend all over the chicken thighs, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 3: Cook to Crispy Perfection

Air Fryer Method:

Place chicken skin-side down and cook at 375F for 15 minutes.

Oven Method:

Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Roast chicken skin-side down at 400F for 20 minutes.

Flip and continue roasting for another 10 minutes until the skin turns gloriously crisp.

Step 4: Whip Up the Sticky Sauce

• Sweet chili sauce
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Oyster sauce

Blend until smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Glaze Like a Pro

Baste the chicken with the sticky sauce multiple times during cooking.

Aim for at least 4 coatings to create a mouthwatering caramelized exterior.

Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C).

Step 6: Optional Crispy Finish

For extra crunch, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes.

Keep a close eye to prevent burning and achieve that stunning caramelized finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking.

Serve over fluffy jasmine rice or alongside your favorite side dishes.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips for Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

• Pat chicken thighs thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown skin that's irresistibly crunchy.
• Apply seasoning mix generously and evenly, massaging into chicken to help spices penetrate deeply and create a rich, robust taste profile.
• Brush sweet chili sauce mixture multiple times during cooking to build up delicious caramelized layers and prevent dry meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat without overcooking.
• Watch chicken closely during final broiling minutes to achieve beautiful caramelization without burning the delicate skin.

Twists for Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

• Spicy Honey Chicken Variation: Replace sweet chili sauce with hot honey and add red pepper flakes for a fiery kick, creating a sweet and spicy flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos, use tamari instead, and ensure all other sauces are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Alternative: Substitute sesame oil with olive oil, add dried oregano and thyme, and use lemon juice instead of oyster sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired taste.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Remove sweet chili sauce, replace with sugar-free alternative like erythritol-based sauce, and serve with cauliflower rice to maintain low-carbohydrate requirements.

Serving Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Well

• Family-Style Feast: Serve the sticky sweet chili chicken thighs over fluffy jasmine rice, creating a restaurant-quality meal that will wow everyone at the table.
• Gourmet Garnish Party: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and a light drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce to elevate the presentation and add fresh, zesty flavors.
• Asian-Inspired Sides: Pair with quick pickled cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or crispy Asian slaw to complement the bold, caramelized chicken and provide a balanced, refreshing contrast.
• Quick Meal Prep Magic: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunch bowls or next-day protein additions to salads and grain bowls.

How to Store Chili Chicken Thighs

• Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual chicken thighs in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking.

FAQs

• Why use avocado oil for this recipe?

Avocado oil has a high smoke point and helps create crispy chicken skin while adding a subtle, neutral flavor that doesn’t overpower the sweet chili sauce.

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

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great! Just reduce the cooking time by about 5-7 minutes to prevent overcooking and ensure the chicken stays juicy.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains tender and juicy.

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs – Perfectly Caramelized and Crispy Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sticky sweet chili chicken thighs showcase bold Asian-inspired flavors that dance across palate boundaries. Home cooks will discover an irresistible dinner option with simple ingredients and maximum deliciousness you can eagerly devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 6 bone-in chicken thighs

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) lemon pepper
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) pepper

Sauces and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) avocado oil
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 3 tablespoons (3 tbsp) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken thighs by thoroughly patting them dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness and optimal seasoning absorption.
2. Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend by mixing avocado oil with lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then generously massage the mixture into every crevice of the chicken thighs.
3. Preheat the oven or air fryer to 375F (190C) and position the chicken skin-side down for initial cooking, which helps render the fat and develop a crisp exterior.
4. Cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes, allowing the skin to become golden and crisp while releasing its natural juices.
5. Simultaneously craft a vibrant sticky sauce by whisking together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce until thoroughly combined and glossy.
6. Begin glazing the chicken with the prepared sauce every 5 minutes, rotating the meat to ensure complete and even caramelization.
7. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), which typically takes an additional 10-15 minutes of cooking time.
8. For an ultra-crispy finish, activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes, carefully monitoring to prevent burning while achieving a stunning caramelized surface.
9. Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute the juices and ensures maximum tenderness.
10. Plate the glazed chicken over fragrant jasmine rice or alongside your preferred accompaniments, ready to be devoured.

Notes

• Moisture Matters: Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to guarantee ultra-crispy skin that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.
• Sauce Strategy: Brush sauce gradually during cooking prevents burning and builds delicious caramelized layers of flavor.
• Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 165F internal temperature without overcooking.
• Versatile Variations: Swap sweet chili sauce with honey-sriracha or teriyaki for different flavor profiles that match dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg