Description
This Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs recipe is the ultimate combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner, these juicy, caramelized chicken thighs are glazed in a mouthwatering sweet chili sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or air frying, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sweet Chili Glaze
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
Optional Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix together sweet chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken with half of the marinade, reserving the other half for basting.
- Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the fridge).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Option 1: Grilling
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, brushing with reserved marinade during the last few minutes.
- Remove when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Option 2: Baking
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place marinated chicken thighs on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, basting with reserved sauce halfway through.
- For crispy edges, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Option 3: Air Frying
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange chicken in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Brush with extra sauce before serving.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, roasted veggies, or garlic noodles.
Notes
- Spice Level: Reduce red pepper flakes for milder heat or add extra chili for a spicier kick.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for crispy edges or microwave for 2 minutes.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 294 kcal
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: sticky chicken thighs, sweet chili chicken, easy chicken recipe, spicy chicken, honey chili chicken