If you’ve been searching for that perfect, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner, look no further than the Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken breasts coated in a tangy sweet chili sauce and crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. The combination is both healthy and irresistibly delicious, making it an everyday meal feel special without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role—whether it’s adding flavor, crunch, or color to the dish. You only need a handful of essentials that transform into an extraordinary meal.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that absorbs the sweet chili glaze beautifully.
- Brussels sprouts: Halved for even cooking and crispy edges that complement the tender chicken.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds a perfect balance of sweetness and heat to the chicken.
- Soy sauce: Brings a savory depth and umami punch to the marinade.
- Olive oil: Helps the Brussels sprouts crisp up in the air fryer with a subtle fruity note.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a mild garlic aroma that enhances both chicken and veggies.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing all the flavors.
- Green onions or sesame seeds (optional): Wonderful garnish that adds freshness and a hint of nuttiness.
How to Make Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by bringing your air fryer up to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and helps create that irresistible crispy texture on both your chicken and Brussels sprouts. No soggy moments here—just perfectly cooked bites every time.
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 combo boosts the natural earthiness of the sprouts and guarantees they’ll get golden and crispy once air fried.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Next, generously coat the chicken breasts with sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. This marinade infuses the meat with mouthwatering layers of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will caramelize beautifully on the outside while keeping the meat juicy inside.
Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
Place the coated chicken breasts and the seasoned Brussels sprouts side by side in your air fryer basket. Make sure everything is arranged in a single layer to allow proper air circulation—this is the secret to that perfect crispness and even cooking.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Air fry everything for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. Your chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the Brussels sprouts are crispy and tender at the same time. This timing creates a balance where the chicken stays juicy without drying out.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve your sweet chili chicken and Brussels sprouts hot. Sprinkle with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for a fresh crunch and that little extra something that makes this dish feel restaurant-quality.
How to Serve Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds brightens up the dish visually and adds an extra layer of texture and flavor. Feel free to toss in some fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for a vibrant twist!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A crisp side salad with vinaigrette is also perfect if you want to keep things light and fresh alongside the warm, flavorful chicken and sprouts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun touch, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of rice or noodles and pile the Brussels sprouts on the side. Consider drizzling extra sweet chili sauce on top for those saucy lovers. You can also place everything in a bowl for a trendy “bowl meal” presentation that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and Brussels sprouts together preserves the mix of flavors so when you reheat, you get that fresh-from-the-air-fryer taste almost back.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Store the cooked chicken and Brussels sprouts separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy your Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe anytime without starting from scratch.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy texture, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes rather than microwaving. This technique keeps your Brussels sprouts crunchy and the chicken juicy, just like the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be even juicier and offer a slightly different flavor profile. Just be sure to check that they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Are Brussels sprouts the only vegetable that works here?
While Brussels sprouts are fantastic for this recipe, you could also try cauliflower florets, green beans, or even bell peppers. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on the vegetable’s tenderness.
What brand of sweet chili sauce do you recommend?
Any good-quality store-bought sweet chili sauce works well. Look for one that balances sweetness with a mild kick of spice without being overly thick or syrupy.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! It’s an excellent recipe for meal prepping since it keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully in the air fryer. Portion out into containers for quick lunches or dinners during your busy week.
Can I make this recipe in a conventional oven?
You certainly can. Roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, but keep an eye on the Brussels sprouts so they don’t overcook. The air fryer, however, gives you that unbeatable crispiness with less oil and time.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to give the Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe a try. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor—qualities we all want on busy nights. The sweet and spicy chicken paired with crispy Brussels sprouts creates a harmony of textures and tastes that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy every bite!
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, flavorful, and healthy meal option. Tender chicken breasts coated in a sweet chili and soy sauce glaze are air fried alongside crispy Brussels sprouts for a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner packed with vibrant taste and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Brussels Sprouts
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the ingredients, ensuring even cooking.
- Prepare Brussels sprouts. In a mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they are fully coated for a flavorful crunch.
- Coat the chicken. Brush the boneless chicken breasts evenly with sweet chili sauce and soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste for a balanced sweet and savory glaze.
- Arrange in air fryer. Place the coated chicken breasts and the seasoned Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook the chicken and sprouts. Air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping the chicken and shaking the Brussels sprouts halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the Brussels sprouts are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve and garnish. Remove from the air fryer and plate the chicken and Brussels sprouts. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and texture, then serve hot.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust the sweet chili sauce amount for desired spice and sweetness.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken doneness for safety.
- Brussels sprouts can be swapped with other vegetables like broccoli or green beans if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
