Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken

This sweet chili chicken thigh recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a sticky, sweet-spicy glaze—all in about 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, the thighs are seasoned simply, air-fried (or oven-baked) to achieve crisp skin, then basted repeatedly with a delectable sweet chili-soy-oyster-sesame sauce. The result? Caramelized, finger-licking good chicken that’s both satisfying and easy to prep. Whether paired with rice, veggies, or noodles, this dish offers big flavor with minimal fuss. Ideal for any cooking style—choose air fryer for speed and crispiness, or oven-roast for straightforward convenience. 

Ingredients (serves ~4–8, yields 8 thighs)

Chicken & Seasoning

• 8 bone-in chicken thighs

• 1 Tbsp avocado oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Sticky Sweet-Chili Glaze

• ½ cup sweet chili sauce

• 3 Tbsp soy sauce

• 1 Tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  
  

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer or oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Pat chicken dry.

2. Season thighs evenly with avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Cook chicken:

   • Air fryer: Place skin‑side down. Cook 15 min at 375 °F. 

   • Oven: Roast skin‑side down at 400 °F for 20 min, flip, and roast another 10 min.

4. Prepare glaze: Whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil while the chicken cooks. 

5. Baste: Apply the glaze to the chicken multiple times during cooking to build up a sticky caramelized coating. Continue cooking until internal temp reaches 165 °F (74 °C).

6. Optional: Broil for the final 2–3 minutes for extra crispness and shine. Watch closely to prevent burning.

7. Rest & serve: Let chicken rest a few minutes, then serve with jasmine rice or vegetables.
   
   

Nutritional Estimate (per thigh, without sides)

• Calories: ~300–350 kcal

• Protein: ~25–28 g

• Fat: ~18–20 g (including skin and glaze oils)

• Carbohydrates: ~8–12 g (from sweet chili and sauces)

• Sodium: Moderate to high—due to soy, oyster, and sweet chili sauces