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Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs Recipe

4.8 from 779 reviews

Deliciously sticky and sweet chili chicken thighs cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, glazed with a savory blend of sweet chili sauce, soy, oyster, and sesame oils for a caramelized finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 8 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Sticky Glaze

  • ½ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for cooking.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy skin. Then season them evenly with avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Initial air frying: Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes at 375°F.
  4. Make the sticky glaze: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
  5. Baste chicken with glaze: Remove the chicken briefly to baste generously with the glaze. Return to the air fryer, repeating this basting process at least 3 times during cooking to build a thick, caramelized coating.
  6. Continue cooking: Air fry the chicken for an additional 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
  7. Crisp skin finish: For extra crispy, caramelized skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with jasmine rice or your favorite vegetable sides for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry is key to achieving a crispy skin.
  • Basting multiple times with the glaze creates a rich, sticky coating.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Keep an eye during broiling to prevent the glaze from burning.
  • Serve with rice or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: sticky chicken thighs, sweet chili chicken, air fryer chicken, caramelized chicken, easy chicken recipe, Asian chicken glaze