Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Tangy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Crispy and bold flavors dance together in this mouthwatering air fryer sweet chili chicken and brussels sprouts recipe.

Unexpected combinations can spark culinary magic in your kitchen.

Tender chicken pieces get coated with a zingy glaze that promises serious satisfaction.

Crunchy brussels sprouts provide the perfect complementary texture to each bite.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this dish a weeknight champion.

Quick cooking techniques ensure you spend less time prepping and more time enjoying.

Let’s create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Sweet Chili Chicken With Brussels That Crisp Up Perfectly

  • Quick and Effortless Meal Prep: Whip up this delicious chicken and Brussels sprouts dish in just 30 minutes with minimal kitchen cleanup using your air fryer.
  • Flavor-Packed Healthy Dinner: Enjoy a nutritious meal combining lean protein from chicken and nutrient-rich Brussels sprouts, all seasoned with a tantalizing sweet chili sauce that delivers bold, restaurant-quality taste.
  • Time-Saving Cooking Technique: Air frying ensures crispy chicken and perfectly roasted vegetables in one appliance, cutting down cooking time and eliminating the need for multiple pans while maintaining maximum flavor and texture.
  • Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Adaptable recipe works great for busy families, date nights, or meal prep, offering a balanced meal that can be easily customized with additional spices or side dishes to suit different preferences.

Ingredients in Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs the sweet and tangy marinade, tender when cooked correctly. Choose fresh, boneless, skinless breasts for best results.
Sauces and Seasonings:
  • Olive Oil, Sweet Chili Sauce, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar: Creates a flavorful and balanced marinade. Adds moisture and rich complexity to the chicken. Look for quality, authentic brands.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that helps caramelize the chicken. Optional but recommended for extra depth.
  • Garlic Powder, Ginger: Provides aromatic warmth and depth to the marinade. Use fresh ground spices for more intense flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential basic seasonings that enhance overall taste. Use sea salt or kosher salt for better flavor.
Vegetables:
  • Brussels Sprouts: Nutritious vegetable that becomes crispy in the air fryer. Select fresh, firm sprouts with tight, green leaves for best texture.

Sweet Chili Chicken & Brussels in Air Fryer Steps

Sweet Chili Chicken & Brussels in Air Fryer Steps

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Explosion

Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl:
  • Olive oil
  • Soy sauce
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Garlic powder
  • Ground ginger
  • Honey

Whisk everything together until well combined and glossy.

Step 2: Season and Coat Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

Generously season with salt and pepper.

Pour marinade over chicken, massaging the mixture into every crevice to ensure maximum flavor absorption.

Step 3: Air Fry Chicken to Perfection

Place chicken breasts in air fryer basket.

Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.

Flip chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Step 4: Crisp Up Brussels Sprouts

Toss Brussels sprouts with:
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Add sprouts to air fryer basket after removing chicken.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking basket midway to promote even caramelization.

Step 5: Rest and Slice Chicken

Remove chicken from air fryer and let rest for 3-4 minutes.

This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Slice chicken against the grain for optimal texture.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Arrange sliced chicken alongside crispy Brussels sprouts.

Optional: Drizzle remaining marinade from air fryer basket over the dish for extra flavor intensity.

Serve immediately and enjoy your delectable meal!

Chicken & Brussels Air Fryer Secrets

  • Let chicken sit in the sweet chili mixture for 15-30 minutes before air frying to enhance deeper, more intense taste profiles.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature, preventing dryness and ensuring perfect, juicy chicken every time.
  • Gently shake the air fryer basket midway through cooking to guarantee even, crispy browning on all sides of the vegetables.
  • Adjust sweet chili sauce quantity based on preferred spice level – add more for extra kick or reduce for milder flavor experience.
  • Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking oil before placing chicken to ensure easy removal and minimal residue buildup.

Chicken Brussels Bowl That Reheats Sweet and Spicy

  • Store leftover chicken and Brussels sprouts in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Warm chicken in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F to maintain juiciness and prevent dryness.
  • Crisp Brussels sprouts in air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes, shaking basket midway to restore original crunchiness.
  • Always check chicken's temperature with meat thermometer before consuming reheated leftovers to guarantee food safety.

Easy Add-Ons For Sweet Chili Chicken

  • Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a crisp Riesling with slight sweetness to complement the sweet chili chicken's vibrant flavor profile and balance the dish's tangy notes.
  • Refreshing Beverage Match: Select an ice-cold Asian-style lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo that cuts through the richness of the chicken and provides a clean, light counterpoint to the meal.
  • Zesty Side Accompaniment: Add a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to enhance the meal's Asian-inspired flavor elements and provide a cool, crunchy texture contrast.
  • Garnish Enhancement: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken and Brussels sprouts to introduce additional layers of nutty and fresh flavors that elevate the overall dining experience.

Chili Brussels Sprouts Variations

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace Brussels sprouts with roasted cauliflower florets for a lower-carb alternative that keeps the same crispy texture and flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Tofu Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, pressing and marinating it in the sweet chili sauce for maximum flavor absorption and maintaining the protein-rich meal structure.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure sweet chili sauce is gluten-free to create a celiac-safe version of the recipe without compromising taste.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for those who enjoy extra heat, transforming the dish into a more intense flavor experience.

FAQs

  • What makes the sweet chili sauce special in this recipe?

The sweet chili sauce adds a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, creating a tangy and flavorful coating for the chicken that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Fresh chicken is recommended for best results. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper sauce absorption.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices running clear.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and Brussels sprouts ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals.

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Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Crispy air fryer sweet chili chicken dances with caramelized brussels sprouts, creating a bold fusion of Asian-inspired flavors. Balanced spices and quick cooking make this dish a weeknight champion you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb/450g)

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together olive oil, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger, and honey in a mixing bowl until well combined.
  2. Thoroughly season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then generously coat them in the prepared sweet chili mixture, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Position the marinated chicken breasts into the air fryer basket, maintaining space between each piece for optimal air circulation.
  4. Cook the chicken at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, carefully turning the pieces midway through the cooking process to promote uniform browning.
  5. Check the chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring it reaches a safe 165°F before removing from the air fryer.
  6. While the chicken cooks, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
  7. Transfer the seasoned Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket after removing the chicken, cooking for 8-10 minutes until they develop a crispy, golden exterior.
  8. Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes, which helps retain its moisture and juiciness.
  9. Slice the chicken and arrange it alongside the roasted Brussels sprouts on serving plates.
  10. Optional: Drizzle any remaining sweet chili sauce from the air fryer basket over the dish for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for deeper flavor by letting it sit in the sweet chili mixture for 30 minutes before air frying, enhancing overall taste and tenderness.
  • Ensure even cooking by cutting Brussels sprouts into similar-sized pieces, promoting uniform crispiness and preventing uneven browning.
  • Choose low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content, making the dish more diet-friendly and heart-healthy.
  • Adjust cooking times for different chicken thicknesses, using a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness without drying out the meat.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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