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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by thoroughly patting them dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness and optimal seasoning absorption.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes, allowing the skin to become golden and crisp while releasing its natural juices.
- Simultaneously craft a vibrant sticky sauce by whisking together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce until thoroughly combined and glossy.
- Begin glazing the chicken with the prepared sauce every 5 minutes, rotating the meat to ensure complete and even caramelization.
- Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), which typically takes an additional 10-15 minutes of cooking time.
- For an ultra-crispy finish, activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes, carefully monitoring to prevent burning while achieving a stunning caramelized surface.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute the juices and ensures maximum tenderness.
- 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