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This sweet and spicy air fryer chicken dish has become my weeknight savior when I need a healthy dinner that delivers big flavor without a ton of effort. The combination of juicy chicken and crispy Brussels sprouts all coated in that addictive sweet chili sauce creates the perfect balance of textures and tastes.
I first created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed healthy meals but had zero time for elaborate cooking. Now my partner requests it almost weekly, especially after gym days when we need something protein-packed but still crave those bold Asian flavors.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide the perfect lean protein base for our dish and absorb the sweet chili marinade beautifully
- Sweet chili sauce brings that perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat that makes this dish irresistible
- Soy sauce adds necessary umami depth and helps tenderize the chicken
- Rice vinegar provides a subtle tang that balances the sweet elements
- Brussels sprouts develop amazing caramelization in the air fryer while adding fiber and nutrients
- Garlic powder and ground ginger create aromatic depth without needing to mince fresh aromatics
- Honey is optional but recommended if you prefer a slightly sweeter glaze on your chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade
- Mix olive oil, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger, and honey in a small bowl until completely combined. This sauce is the flavor foundation of the entire dish, so take your time ensuring everything is well incorporated.
- Season and Coat the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels first for better sauce adhesion, then generously season with salt and pepper. Pour the sweet chili mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat every surface. For maximum flavor, use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat.
- Air Fry the Chicken
- Place the marinated chicken in your preheated air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. The chicken is done when it registers 165°F and has developed a beautiful sticky glaze on the outside.
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
- While the chicken cooks, toss your halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt and pepper. The key is ensuring they're all similar in size for even cooking. Make sure the cut sides are facing down in the air fryer for maximum caramelization.
- Cook the Brussels Sprouts
- Add your seasoned Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket alongside the chicken during the last 8-10 minutes of cooking. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and develop that wonderful crispiness on the edges.
- Rest and Serve
- Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into strips. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Arrange on plates with the Brussels sprouts and drizzle with any glaze that collected in the air fryer basket.
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Sweet chili sauce is the secret weapon in my kitchen. I discovered it years ago at an Asian market and now keep multiple bottles on hand. What makes this dish special to me is how it transformed my husband from a Brussels sprouts skeptic to someone who now regularly requests them. The air fryer caramelizes their edges in a way that oven roasting never quite achieves.
Making It Ahead
This dish reheats beautifully for meal prep purposes. Store the cooked chicken and Brussels sprouts in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating in the microwave, sprinkle a few drops of water over the chicken to prevent it from drying out. For best results though, reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F to restore some of the original crispiness.
Customizing Your Flavor Profile
The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is to your personal taste preferences. For more heat, add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade. If you prefer a more savory profile, reduce the honey and add an extra tablespoon of soy sauce. Vegetarians can substitute firm tofu cut into cubes, though you'll need to adjust the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes total for crispy results.
Perfect Pairings
While this dish is completely satisfying on its own, I often serve it with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal with additional vegetables, consider adding a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil on the side. When entertaining, I serve this with a chilled Riesling or an Asian-style lager which perfectly complements the sweet and spicy flavors.
The Brussels Sprouts Secret
Many people think they don't like Brussels sprouts because they've only had them steamed or boiled. The air fryer transforms these little cabbage-like vegetables into something completely different. The high heat caramelizes their natural sugars while the outer leaves become delicately crisp. Make sure to cut them in half to maximize the surface area that gets that wonderful crispy texture. Converting Brussels sprouts skeptics with this recipe has become something of a personal mission in my cooking life.
Common Queries
- → Can I use other proteins instead of chicken breast?
Yes! This dish works wonderfully with chicken thighs or pork tenderloin as alternatives. The sweet chili sauce complements these proteins equally well, though cooking times may vary slightly. Chicken thighs might need an extra 2-3 minutes, while pork tenderloin should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- → How can I adjust the flavor to make it more or less spicy?
You can easily customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of sweet chili sauce used. For a milder version, reduce the sweet chili sauce to 1 tablespoon and increase the honey to 2 teaspoons. For a spicier kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- → What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. For a complete meal, you could also add a side of quick-pickled cucumbers or a simple Asian slaw. For extra flavor, consider serving with a small dish of additional sweet chili sauce on the side.
- → Can I make this if I don't have an air fryer?
Absolutely! While an air fryer creates a nice crispy texture, you can achieve similar results by baking in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet and cook for 18-22 minutes. For the Brussels sprouts, roast them on a separate sheet for about 20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- → How well does this work for meal prep?
This dish is excellent for meal prep! The chicken and Brussels sprouts will keep well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave until hot or place back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore some crispness. The sweet chili flavor actually develops nicely over time.
- → Can I substitute the Brussels sprouts with other vegetables?
Yes, this versatile dish works well with many vegetables. Good alternatives include broccoli florets, cauliflower, green beans, or baby bok choy. Adjust cooking times accordingly as some vegetables cook more quickly than Brussels sprouts – most will need between 6-10 minutes in the air fryer.