It is 6pm and your family is hungry. You need a healthy dinner fast without a sink full of dishes. This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken is your new secret weapon for busy evenings.
This recipe delivers tender chicken and crispy sprouts in record time. The sweet and savory glaze caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer. It feels like a restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
You will love how this recipe simplifies your evening routine. It is a one-basket wonder that keeps cleanup to a minimum. This makes it perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is short.
The combination of protein and fiber keeps you feeling full. It is an excellent choice for a healthy reset or regular meal prep. Your whole family will enjoy the sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy glaze.
Simple Cooking Method
Cooking this dish is incredibly straightforward and beginner-friendly. You simply toss the vegetables first to give them a head start. Then, you add the saucy chicken to the same basket.
The air fryer circulates hot air to create perfectly crispy edges. You do not need to stand over a hot stove tonight. Just shake the basket halfway through and let the machine work.
Simple Ingredients
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the Brussels sprouts into the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8 minutes.
- While the sprouts cook, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a separate bowl.
- Toss the chicken cubes in the sauce mixture until fully coated, reserving 2 tablespoons of sauce for finishing.
- Add the chicken cubes to the air fryer basket with the Brussels sprouts, ensuring they are spread out for even cooking.
- Air fry the chicken and sprouts together for 7 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- Remove from the air fryer, toss with the reserved sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works wonderfully well too. You can even enjoy it straight from the bowl for a quick lunch.
Add a side of sliced cucumbers for a fresh, cooling crunch. This dish is great for packing into containers for your weekly lunches. It stays delicious and satisfying even when reheated later.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days easily. This makes it a fantastic option for your Sunday meal prep session.
To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for 3-5 minutes. This helps the chicken and sprouts regain their original crispy texture. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that lovely crunch.
Tips for Best Results
- Dry your Brussels sprouts thoroughly after washing for maximum crispiness.
- Cut chicken into uniform cubes so they all cook at the same rate.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure the air can circulate properly.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F.
- Save that extra bit of sauce to drizzle right before serving.
- Shake the basket vigorously halfway through the chicken cooking time.
- Trim the woody ends off the sprouts for the best texture.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap chicken for firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Add red bell pepper chunks for extra color and sweetness.
- Use sriracha instead of sweet chili if you prefer more heat.
- Try broccoli florets if you are out of Brussels sprouts.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh sprouts are highly recommended for this specific recipe. Frozen sprouts tend to hold more moisture and may become soggy. If you use frozen, pat them very dry first.
Is this recipe spicy?
The sweet chili sauce provides a very mild, kid-friendly heat. It is more sweet and savory than it is spicy. You can always add red pepper flakes for more kick.
I hope this simple meal brings a little ease to your busy weeknight. It is such a joy to serve a healthy meal that everyone actually wants to eat. Happy cooking!
— Katie Wood
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions , thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the Brussels sprouts into the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8 minutes.
- While the sprouts cook, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a separate bowl.
- Toss the chicken cubes in the sauce mixture until fully coated, reserving 2 tablespoons of sauce for finishing.
- Add the chicken cubes to the air fryer basket with the Brussels sprouts, ensuring they are spread out for even cooking.
- Air fry the chicken and sprouts together for 7 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- Remove from the air fryer, toss with the reserved sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
