Sweet Chili Chicken and Sprouts

This air fryer sweet chili chicken and Brussels sprouts dish transforms ordinary ingredients into a flavor-packed meal that feels like takeout but comes together in your own kitchen. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory elements creates a perfect balance that makes this recipe a regular in my weekly rotation.

I first created this recipe during a busy workweek when I needed something nutritious but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. My family now requests it weekly and I love how it delivers restaurant quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: these provide a lean protein base that absorbs the sweet chili flavor beautifully
• Sweet chili sauce: the star ingredient that delivers that perfect balance of sweet and mild heat
• Soy sauce: adds umami depth and helps tenderize the chicken
• Rice vinegar: brings brightness and balances the sweetness
• Garlic powder and ground ginger: provide aromatic warmth without the prep work of fresh ingredients
• Brussels sprouts: become amazingly crispy in the air fryer with caramelized edges
• Honey: optional but recommended for adding extra glaze and sweetness to the sauce
• Olive oil: helps everything crisp up properly in the air fryer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the sauce:

Combine olive oil, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger, and honey in a bowl until smooth and well-integrated. This sauce is the flavor foundation of the dish so take time to whisk it thoroughly.

Season and coat the chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels first to help the sauce adhere better. Season with salt and pepper, then thoroughly coat with the sweet chili mixture, making sure to cover all surfaces. Let it sit for a few minutes if you have time to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Air fry the chicken:

Place the chicken in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for about 12 minutes for thinner breasts or 15 minutes for thicker ones. Flip halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and caramelization on both sides.

Prepare and cook Brussels sprouts:

While the chicken cooks, toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt and pepper. Add them to the air fryer basket alongside the chicken during the second half of cooking. Shake the basket occasionally to ensure even crisping.

Rest and slice:

Allow the chicken to rest for 3 to 5 minutes after cooking to keep juices locked in. Slice against the grain into strips about half an inch thick for the best texture and presentation.

Plate and finish:

Arrange the sliced chicken and crispy Brussels sprouts on plates and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the air fryer basket. This captures all the concentrated flavors that have developed during cooking.

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The sweet chili sauce is truly what makes this dish special. I discovered this combination after experimenting with different Asian-inspired glazes, and the way it caramelizes in the air fryer creates these incredible sticky, sweet edges on the chicken that my entire family fights over.

Storage and Meal Prep

This recipe makes an excellent meal prep option that maintains its flavor and texture for days. Store the chicken and Brussels sprouts in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, the air fryer works wonderfully again just 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F will revive the crispy exterior without drying out the chicken. If you need to make this ahead for company, you can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it separately until ready to cook.

Customizing Your Sweet Chili Chicken

This recipe provides a perfect foundation for endless variations based on what you have on hand. Substitute chicken thighs for juicier results or use tofu for a vegetarian version. The sauce works equally well with pork tenderloin or even salmon fillets. For vegetables, you can swap Brussels sprouts for broccoli florets, green beans, or cubed sweet potatoes all cook beautifully in the air fryer with similar timing. During summer months, I often add fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil at the end for a bright finish.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish stands wonderfully on its own, serving it over steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice makes it a complete meal that soaks up all the delicious sauce. For a dinner party presentation, serve the sliced chicken and Brussels sprouts over a swirl of sriracha mayo with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions. This has become my go-to dish when introducing skeptical friends to the magic of air fryer cooking the results always impress even the most dedicated takeout enthusiasts.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How can I ensure the chicken stays tender while air frying?

Coat the chicken thoroughly with the sweet chili mixture and monitor its internal temperature. Remove it once it reaches 165°F (74°C).

→ Can I use a different vegetable instead of Brussels sprouts?

Yes, broccoli, green beans, or carrots also work well in the air fryer with similar cooking times.

→ What can I use as a substitute for sweet chili sauce?

You can mix honey, a touch of hot sauce, and soy sauce as an alternative to sweet chili sauce.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Store portions in airtight containers for up to three days. Reheat in an air fryer or microwave.

→ What other proteins can I use besides chicken breasts?

Chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or tofu are great alternatives. Adjust cooking times as needed.