Description
Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy, and glazed in a bold, sticky sauce that’s sweet, savory, and just a little spicy. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests, this easy recipe comes together in under 45 minutes and pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or fresh veggies!
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs (bone-in or boneless) – 2 lbs (about 6-8 thighs)
2 tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp lemon pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Sticky Sweet Chili Glaze:
½ cup sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp sesame oil
Optional Garnishes:
Sesame seeds
Sliced red chili
Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Preheat Oven or Air Fryer
Preheat your oven or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Chicken Thighs
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps crisp the skin.
Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix avocado oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Rub seasoning all over chicken thighs until evenly coated.
Air Fry or Roast
Air Fryer: Place thighs skin side down. Cook at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Oven: Line a baking sheet with parchment. Roast skin side down at 400°F for 20 minutes. Flip and roast an additional 10 minutes.
Make the Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, and sesame oil.
Baste with Glaze
Brush glaze over chicken multiple times while cooking, at least 3 times.
Cook an additional 10 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Broil (Optional)
For extra caramelization, broil for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Serve
Let chicken rest a few minutes. Serve over jasmine rice or veggies. Garnish as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Adjust spice by adding sriracha or crushed red pepper to the glaze.
Works well with chicken breasts—just reduce cook time to avoid drying out.
Pat chicken dry for crispy skin magic.
Leftovers keep well for 3 days in the fridge and reheat beautifully in the air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven or Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg