... Print

Easy Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs

Close-up of a piece of glazed sweet chili chicken topped with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this incredibly flavorful sticky sweet chili chicken using chicken thighs. You can bake these in the oven or cook them in your air fryer for a quick weeknight chicken dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (slurry)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. If baking, place the thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If air frying, arrange them in a single layer in the basket.
  4. Bake for 25 minutes or air fry for 18 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. While the chicken cooks, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
  7. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens into a glaze. Remove from heat.
  8. Once the chicken is cooked, brush the sticky glaze generously over all sides of the chicken thighs.
  9. Return the glazed chicken to the oven or air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  10. Remove the chicken from the heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

  • For a healthier option, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time accordingly.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture.
  • This sticky glazed chicken thighs recipe pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or simple steamed broccoli.
  • You can find more family friendly asian chicken recipe ideas on our Pinterest account.

Nutrition