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Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs - Perfectly Caramelized and Crispy

Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy dinner option with crispy skin and a sweet, caramelized glaze. Coated with a blend of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, this dish offers a balanced flavor that pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or vegetables. Ideal for weeknight dinners, these chicken thighs are sure to become a family favorite!

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Updated on Sat, 04 Jan 2025 14:18:00 GMT
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Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs | myhomemaderecipe.com
These Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. With a sticky, caramelized glaze and crispy skin, this dish is an easy, delicious option for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • Bone-in Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender, chicken thighs hold up well to frying or roasting, giving you a flavorful and crispy result.
  • Avocado Oil: A neutral, high-heat oil that crisps up the chicken skin and enhances the seasoning.
  • Lemon Pepper: Adds a bright, zesty flavor with a touch of peppery heat.
  • Garlic Powder: A simple seasoning that complements the savory and sweet glaze flavors.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
Sticky Glaze
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: The base of the glaze, adding sweetness and a mild kick of heat.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor, balancing the sweetness in the glaze.
  • Oyster Sauce: A rich, savory ingredient that enhances the flavor and thickness of the glaze.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and complements the Asian-inspired flavors of the dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Thighs (Oven or Air Fryer)
Preheat your oven or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to help achieve crispy skin when cooked.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix avocado oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over the chicken thighs.
Step 3: Air Fry or Roast the Chicken
For the air fryer: Place the chicken skin-side down and air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes. For the oven: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and roast the chicken skin-side down for 20 minutes at 400°F. Flip and roast for an additional 10 minutes until the skin is crispy.
Step 4: Prepare the Sticky Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce until well combined. Set aside for basting.
Step 5: Apply the Sticky Glaze
While the chicken is roasting or air frying, baste it several times with the sticky sauce, aiming for at least 4 rounds of basting to create a caramelized glaze.
Step 6: Additional Cooking Time and Broiling
After basting, add 10 more minutes of cooking time or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching closely to avoid burning.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serve Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs over jasmine rice, or pair them with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds to add extra color and flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, being careful not to overcook.

Helpful Notes

  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze or drizzle with sriracha sauce.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Basting multiple times while cooking enhances the sticky, caramelized texture of the glaze, making it extra flavorful.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends patting the chicken dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden skin.
  • Chef Roy Choi suggests using sesame oil for an added depth of flavor in Asian-inspired glazes.
  • Chef Jamie Oliver advises broiling briefly for an added layer of caramelization on the chicken skin.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This dish combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in a perfectly balanced glaze.
  • The chicken has a crispy skin with a sticky glaze, creating a delicious texture.
  • It’s quick and easy to prepare, ideal for weeknight dinners.

Variations

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute tamari for soy sauce and check that your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.
  • Use boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks if preferred, adjusting cooking time as needed.
  • Add sliced bell peppers or broccoli to the roasting pan for a built-in vegetable side dish.

Sweet & Savory Dinners

Enjoy these Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs with a sticky, caramelized glaze and a hint of spice. Perfectly crispy and easy to make, ideal for weeknight dinners!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 6 bone-in chicken thighs.
02 1 tbsp avocado oil.
03 1 tsp lemon pepper.
04 1 tsp garlic powder.
05 1/2 tsp salt.
06 1/2 tsp pepper.
07 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce.
08 3 tbsp soy sauce.
09 1 tbsp oyster sauce.
10 1 tbsp sesame oil.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to help achieve crispy skin.

Step 02

In a small bowl, mix avocado oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken thighs to coat them evenly.

Step 03

Air Fryer: Place the chicken skin-side down and air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes. Oven: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and roast the chicken skin-side down for 20 minutes at 400°F. Flip and roast for an additional 10 minutes until crispy.

Step 04

While the chicken cooks, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce in a bowl.

Step 05

Baste the chicken multiple times with the sticky sauce while roasting or air frying to achieve a caramelized coating. Baste at least 4 times to ensure even coverage. Add another 10 minutes of cooking time, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 06

For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to prevent burning and achieve a beautifully caramelized skin.

Step 07

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve over jasmine rice or with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  1. These Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs are flavorful and perfectly caramelized, with a crispy skin and a sticky, sweet glaze.
  2. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this recipe pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or fresh vegetables.
  3. The sweet chili sauce and soy sauce add a rich umami flavor that enhances the natural taste of the chicken thighs.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven.
  • Air Fryer.
  • Baking tray.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Bowl.
  • Whisk.
  • Paper towel.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 24 g