If you’re craving a meal that bursts with flavor yet comes together effortlessly, then this Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is your new go-to. It perfectly balances the sticky, sweet heat of chili sauce with tender, juicy chicken and crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts. Cooking everything in the air fryer makes it quick, easy, and wonderfully healthy, delivering a restaurant-quality dish straight to your dining table. Trust me, once you try this combo, it’s going to become a favorite weeknight dinner for you too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every element plays a crucial role: from the sweetness and spice of the chili sauce to the crunchy, nutty flavor of the Brussels sprouts, and the perfect golden char on the chicken. Gather these essentials for a dish that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the delicious sauces.
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved: Offering a crispy texture and earthy flavor to complement the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: The star ingredient that gives the dish its signature sweet and spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps crisp up the Brussels sprouts while keeping everything moist.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, savory aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and boosting the natural flavors.
- Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, crunchy finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that your chicken and Brussels sprouts begin cooking immediately when placed inside, locking in moisture and giving you that lovely crispy texture you want.
Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning gives them a fantastic flavor boost while helping them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Next, brush each chicken breast generously with sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. This coating creates a sticky, flavorful crust that caramelizes during cooking, making each bite irresistibly tasty.
Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
Place the chicken breasts and Brussels sprouts side by side in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Giving them enough space ensures even cooking and the best texture.
Step 5: Cook Until Perfect
Air fry for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the chicken and shaking the Brussels sprouts halfway through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), signaling it’s juicy and cooked through, while the sprouts become delightfully crispy and caramelized.
Step 6: Serve with Style
Once cooked, transfer everything to your serving plates and, if you like, sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds. These simple garnishes add a gorgeous fresh crunch and an extra layer of taste.
How to Serve Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of color and texture, sprinkle fresh green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top. These not only brighten the dish visually but also add an inviting aroma that makes the meal even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the chicken slices fanned out over a bed of the roasted Brussels sprouts on a large platter. Drizzle any remaining sweet chili sauce over the top, and add slices of fresh lime for a zingy twist that makes every bite exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and the dish reheats surprisingly well.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken and Brussels sprouts separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. This helps maintain texture when reheated.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the crispiness of the Brussels sprouts and warms the chicken evenly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before tossing with oil and seasoning. This helps them crisp up better in the air fryer.
Is this recipe spicy?
The sweet chili sauce offers a mild heat with a sweet finish, making it approachable for most palates. You can adjust the spiciness by choosing a sweeter or hotter chili sauce.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs also work wonderfully and tend to be juicier. Just adjust cooking time slightly, and ensure they reach the proper internal temperature.
Do I need to flip the Brussels sprouts during air frying?
Yes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps the Brussels sprouts cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you’re as excited as I am about trying the Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to bring bold flavors, quick cooking, and nutritious ingredients together without any fuss. Dive in, enjoy the process, and savor every bite — this dish definitely has “favorite” written all over it!
Print
Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe offers a deliciously healthy and quick meal, featuring tender chicken breasts glazed with sweet chili sauce and soy sauce, paired with crispy air-fried Brussels sprouts. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup and a flavorful boost from simple seasoning and optional garnishes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Brussels Sprouts
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Green onions or sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the chicken and Brussels sprouts evenly and getting a nice crisp.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: In a mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they are well coated, preparing them for roasting and flavor infusion.
- Coat Chicken: Brush the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly with sweet chili sauce and soy sauce, creating a flavorful glaze that will caramelize during air frying.
- Arrange in Basket: Place the coated chicken breasts and the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This arrangement promotes even cooking and crispiness.
- Cook: Air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping the chicken and tossing the Brussels sprouts halfway through to ensure both cook evenly. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the Brussels sprouts should be crispy and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer, then serve hot. Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired to add freshness and a visual appeal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly coated with the sauce for balanced flavor.
- Halving the Brussels sprouts helps them cook faster and develop a crisp exterior.
- Flipping halfway is important for even cooking and crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Optional garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds add extra flavor and texture.
