If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dinner that feels like a special treat but comes together quickly, the Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is your new go-to. This dish perfectly balances the tangy sweetness of chili sauce with the satisfying crispness of air-fried Brussels sprouts and juicy chicken breasts. It’s simple, yet packed with layers of taste and texture, making it an absolute favorite for anyone who loves easy but impressive meals. Plus, using the air fryer means you get all that deliciousness without heating up your kitchen or dealing with oily messes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect harmony of flavor and texture for this Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe. From the tender chicken to the crispy sprouts and the sweet-and-savory glaze, all come together effortlessly.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized breasts to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer.
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved: Fresh and halved for maximum crispiness and flavor absorption.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: The star of the glaze, bringing a delicious balance of sweet with a slight kick.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a savory umami depth to the chicken’s coating.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the Brussels sprouts crisp up nicely while keeping them tender inside.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, aromatic punch to the sprouts and chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and highlighting natural flavors.
- Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Provide a fresh and crunchy finish visually and in taste.
How to Make Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while you prep your ingredients. Preheating is key because it helps the chicken sear quickly and locks in those mouthwatering juices.
Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
In a bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning blend lets the natural earthiness of the sprouts shine through while getting extra crisp during cooking.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Massage the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce onto each chicken breast. This combination creates that signature sweet and savory glaze that seals in flavor and caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
Step 4: Arrange in the Basket
Place the seasoned chicken breasts and Brussels sprouts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Giving each piece breathing room will allow even air circulation for that coveted crispy exterior.
Step 5: Cook Until Perfect
Air fry everything for about 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll want to cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), and the Brussels sprouts are gloriously crispy and golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the air fryer and garnish your dish with freshly sliced green onions or sesame seeds if you like. These little touches add a vibrant pop of color and subtle texture contrast that elevates the whole meal.
How to Serve Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and toasted sesame seeds are a classic choice to finish this dish, giving a fresh crunch and nutty aroma. You can also try a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime to brighten all the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own but pairs well with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even a light cucumber salad. These options complement without overshadowing the bold sweet chili chicken and the tangy sprouts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced atop a bed of the Brussels sprouts, drizzle extra sweet chili sauce on top, and garnish with a mix of fresh herbs. You could also turn this into a bowl meal by adding avocado and crunchy peanuts for an exciting texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken and Brussels sprouts will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining good flavor and texture when reheated carefully.
Freezing
This recipe freezes nicely if you want to prep in advance. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the leftovers back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to crisp the Brussels sprouts and warm the chicken without drying it out. Alternatively, a quick microwave warm-up works if you’re in a rush, but you might lose some crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but for best results, thaw and pat them dry before tossing in oil and seasoning. This helps them crisp up better in the air fryer rather than steaming.
Is this recipe spicy?
The sweet chili sauce provides a mild heat with a sweet edge, making this dish approachable for most palates. You can adjust the heat level by choosing a spicier sauce or adding crushed red pepper flakes if you love a kick.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might need a minute or two more depending on their thickness.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest and most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken’s internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the meat should feel firm but tender.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can double the recipe but cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding prevents even air circulation and can cause uneven cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a gourmet meal with minimal effort. Dive in and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, sweet, and savory notes all in one dish. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!
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: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken breasts paired with crispy, garlicky Brussels sprouts. Coated in a sweet chili and soy sauce glaze and cooked perfectly in an air fryer, this dish is both healthy and satisfying, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Vegetables
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Brussels sprouts: In a bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Coat the chicken: Brush the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with sweet chili sauce and soy sauce, making sure each piece is well covered.
- Arrange in air fryer: Place the coated chicken breasts and the prepared Brussels sprouts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between pieces for proper air circulation.
- Cook: Air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping the chicken and shaking the Brussels sprouts halfway through the cooking time to promote even crisping. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and that the Brussels sprouts are crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve hot, optionally garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper airflow for even cooking.
- Flipping the chicken and shaking the Brussels sprouts halfway through cooking helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce based on your preferred sweetness and spice level.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Brussels sprouts can be substituted with other small vegetables like broccolini or green beans if preferred.
