Crispy Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you crave something gloriously savory, a little sticky, and bursting with bold flavors, these Sticky Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Thighs are about to become your weeknight obsession! Imagine juicy chicken with crispy skin, kissed by a glossy, garlicky sweet chili glaze—so easy, so irresistible, and absolutely unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of go-to pantry staples can transform simple chicken thighs into something extraordinary. Each ingredient in these Sticky Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Thighs plays a starring role, from crispiness to caramelized glaze, and brings an essential pop of flavor or texture.

• Bone-in chicken thighs: The darker meat stays juicy and the bone adds incredible flavor—plus, bone-in means ultra-crispy skin.
• Avocado oil: Its high smoke point is ideal for roasting or air frying, and it helps all those spices stick perfectly.
• Garlic powder: Just the right amount for that mellow, savory undercurrent—no peeling or mincing required!
• Salt & pepper: Don’t skip these basics; they’re the backbone of every savory bite.
• Sweet chili sauce: The secret to the sticky-sweet element and that warm touch of heat in every glossy bite.
• Soy sauce: Adds depth and a punch of saltiness that balances the sweet glaze.
• Oyster sauce: Brings a subtle richness and umami—just a tablespoon makes a world of difference.
• Sesame oil: For a final nutty, aromatic flourish that rounds out the glaze beautifully.

Variations

This recipe is deliciously forgiving and totally customizable, making it easy to tailor your Sticky Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Thighs to whatever you have on hand or what your crew is craving. Feel free to get creative—flexibility is part of the magic!

• Boneless Thighs or Breasts: Swap bone-in thighs for boneless thighs or even chicken breasts if that’s what’s stocked—just adjust the cooking time.
• Make it Spicy: Add a spoonful of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for some extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and double-check your chili sauce label.
• Vegetarian Twist: Try the same sticky glaze over roasted cauliflower florets or crispy tofu for a plant-based spin!

How to Make Sticky Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Pat each chicken thigh completely dry with paper towels—especially the skin. This is your golden ticket to serious crispiness, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Season for Maximum Flavor

Whisk together the avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Massage this fragrant mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring every inch is coated for flavor-packed bites and beautifully seasoned skin.

Step 3: Roast or Air Fry the Chicken

If air frying, arrange the chicken skin-side down and cook at 375°F for 15 minutes. For oven roasting, use 400°F, skin-side down on a parchment-lined tray, for 20 minutes. Flip the thighs and cook until that skin turns gorgeously crisp—about 10 more minutes in the oven.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Sticky Sweet Chili Glaze

While the chicken is sizzling away, whip up the star of the show: Whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil in a large bowl until glossy and smooth. The aroma alone will have you sneaking tastes!

Step 5: Glaze and Caramelize

Start basting the chicken thighs with your sticky sweet chili glaze once they’re nearly cooked—aim for at least three generous coats. The magic happens as the sugars caramelize and bubble, creating a lacquered, finger-licking finish. Add a final 10 minutes of cooking, until the chicken is cooked through and irresistible.

Step 6: (Optional but Epic) Broil for Crunch

For extra crackle, switch on your broiler for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely—this is how you get that sticky, burnished skin without crossing into burnt territory. It’s the secret to the restaurant-worthy look!

Step 7: Rest & Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Pile your Sticky Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Thighs over fluffy jasmine rice or plate up with your favorite veggies—don’t forget to drizzle any extra glaze from the pan over the top!

How to Serve Sticky Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

Sprinkle your finished Sticky Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Thighs with toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, or fresh cilantro for a burst of color and a pop of freshness. Even a squeeze of fresh lime elevates the sweet and savory notes with a splash of brightness.

Side Dishes

This dish is fabulous over a bowl of steamed jasmine or coconut rice and shines next to simply sautéed veggies like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas. For something heartier, garlic noodles or an Asian slaw are fantastic sides that help soak up every drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the glazed chicken and tuck it into lettuce wraps with crunchy slaw, or serve atop a big rice or noodle bowl with pickled veggies and a fried egg. For parties, arrange the thighs on a platter, drizzle with extra glaze, and let everyone dig in family-style—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop cooled chicken into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavor deepens as it sits, making these Sticky Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Thighs possibly even better the next day!

Freezing

Absolutely! Once the chicken has cooled, arrange the thighs on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a speedy meal whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

To revive leftover Sticky Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Thighs, reheat gently in a 350°F oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes until hot and crisp. A quick broil at the end will restore that irresistible caramelized glaze. Keep a little glaze on the side to brush over just before serving—it’s magic!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like the sweet, sticky, utterly crave-worthy goodness of Sticky Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Thighs to gather everyone around the table. I can’t wait for you to experience the crispy skin and addictively tangy glaze—give them a try and prepare for a chorus of “more, please” with every bite. Happy cooking, friend!

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