If you’re craving a meal that perfectly balances bold flavors with healthy, crispy goodness, then the Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts and golden, crisp Brussels sprouts, all coated in a luscious sweet chili glaze that dances on your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for two or just want a fast, fuss-free dinner that feels like a treat, this recipe delivers on every front with minimal effort, maximum flavor, and that delightful crunch only an air fryer can provide.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making the Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe shine. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the seasoning that builds depth to the fresh veggies and vibrant sauces that brighten up the plate. Here’s a simple yet essential list to set you up for success.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, ensuring tender bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds moisture and helps achieve that crispy exterior on both chicken and Brussels sprouts.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory punch that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds extra depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- 1/2 pound Brussels sprouts, halved: Brings earthy, nutty flavors and that perfect crispy texture.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: The star glaze that ties the whole dish together with a sweet and spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami richness and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional): For an extra touch of natural sweetness that mellows out the spice.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): For a light crunch and beautiful garnish.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): Lends a refreshing, herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), which ensures even cooking and helps create that irresistible crispy skin on the chicken. While it heats up, season your chicken breasts generously with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This simple yet powerful seasoning creates a flavorful base that will carry the sweet chili glaze beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Be sure to flip the chicken halfway through to promote even browning on both sides. This step seals the juices in, resulting in moist, tender chicken with a golden crust that makes every bite unforgettable.
Step 3: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
While the chicken is cooking, trim the ends of your Brussels sprouts and slice them in half. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat them evenly. This seasoning helps bring out their natural nutty sweetness and ensures they become perfectly crispy alongside your chicken.
Step 4: Add Brussels Sprouts and Continue Cooking
After the initial 10 minutes, nestle the Brussels sprouts around the chicken in the air fryer basket. Continue cooking for another 10 to 12 minutes until the Brussels sprouts turn beautifully crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This combined cooking yields a harmonious mix of juicy chicken and caramelized veggies in one basket.
Step 5: Mix the Sweet Chili Sauce
While your food finishes cooking, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and honey in a small bowl. This homemade glaze has just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, ready to elevate your chicken and Brussels sprouts to the next level.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once your chicken and Brussels sprouts come out of the air fryer, immediately drizzle them with the sweet chili sauce mixture. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if you’d like for an inviting pop of texture and color. Serve right away for a meal that’s crisp, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
A few thoughtful garnishes can transform your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe from lovely to stunning. I highly recommend sprinkling sesame seeds for a toasty crunch and fresh cilantro for a bright herbal note that cuts through the rich glaze perfectly. If you have scallions or crushed peanuts on hand, those work beautifully too.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a full meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with light sides like steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple cucumber salad or a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette will add refreshing contrast without competing with the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or just treat yourself? Serve this dish in a colorful bowl with the chicken sliced against the grain and Brussels sprouts artfully arranged. Drizzle extra sauce over the top and add a wedge of lime on the side for a cheeky citrus zing. Presentation doesn’t need to be complicated to look inviting and vibrant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and Brussels sprouts together allows the flavors to mingle, making the leftovers just as delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you’d like to plan ahead. Separate the chicken and Brussels sprouts in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in your air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispiness, especially in the Brussels sprouts. If short on time, a microwave works, but expect the veggies to be softer. Adding a fresh drizzle of sweet chili sauce after reheating will revive the flavors nicely.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh Brussels sprouts work best for crispiness, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid sogginess in the air fryer.
Is this recipe spicy?
The sweet chili sauce provides a mild heat balanced by sweetness, so the dish is flavorful with a gentle kick but not overwhelmingly spicy. Adjust honey or add hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just check for doneness with a thermometer, as thighs may require a few extra minutes in the air fryer.
Do I need to flip the Brussels sprouts during cooking?
Since the Brussels sprouts are nestled around the chicken, flipping halfway is optional but can help achieve more even browning. If you like extra-crispy edges, give them a quick toss halfway through cooking.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you need a gluten-free or low-sodium alternative, tamari or coconut aminos are great substitutes that won’t compromise the umami taste in the sweet chili glaze.
Final Thoughts
The Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner any night of the week. The blend of tender chicken, crispy veggies, and that irresistible sweet chili kick is always a winner in my book. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become a trusted go-to in your recipe collection just like it is in mine.
Print
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe offers a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken breasts are seasoned and air fried to juicy perfection alongside crispy Brussels sprouts, all drizzled with a sweet chili soy glaze for a delightful balance of spicy and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1/2 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Garnish
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the cooking temperature is optimal for both chicken and Brussels sprouts cooking simultaneously.
- Season Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway to promote even cooking.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: While the chicken cooks, trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning.
- Add Brussels Sprouts and Continue Cooking: After the initial 10 minutes, nestle the Brussels sprouts around the chicken in the air fryer basket. Continue cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes until the chicken registers 165°F (74°C) internally and the Brussels sprouts are crispy.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and honey (if using) to create a flavorful glaze.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the chicken and Brussels sprouts from the air fryer. Drizzle with the sweet chili sauce mixture and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the meal at its best.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can omit honey for a less sweet sauce or adjust according to taste.
- For extra crispiness, shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking the Brussels sprouts.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
