Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful. The air fryer helps create perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts, while the chicken is coated in a sweet and savory sauce that’s sure to impress. This quick and easy recipe is a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner, giving you a healthy and delicious meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is all about balance—juicy, tender chicken paired with crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts, all coated in a sweet chili and soy sauce glaze. The air fryer does the work, providing a perfectly crisp texture on both the chicken and vegetables, while the sweet chili sauce gives the dish a burst of flavor. It’s a healthy yet indulgent meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings when you need something delicious in a hurry. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup!
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
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2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Coat the chicken breasts with sweet chili sauce and soy sauce.
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Place both the chicken breasts and Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer.
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Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping the chicken and Brussels sprouts halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the Brussels sprouts are crispy.
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Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Variations
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Spicy kick: If you like heat, add some sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sweet chili sauce for an extra burst of spice.
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Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the air fryer for a more colorful and nutritious meal.
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Gluten-free option: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, simply place the chicken and Brussels sprouts back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to restore their crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but fresh Brussels sprouts will give you a crispier texture. If using frozen, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
2. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a bit longer to cook than breasts.
3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
4. Can I use a different sauce if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can substitute with a mixture of honey and hot sauce, or use barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.
5. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add extra chili flakes, sriracha, or a diced jalapeño to the chicken and Brussels sprouts for an added kick of spice.
6. Can I cook this recipe in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the chicken and Brussels sprouts in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, as the Brussels sprouts lose their crispiness when stored. However, you can prepare the chicken and Brussels sprouts in advance and reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispiness.
8. Can I use a different vegetable instead of Brussels sprouts?
Yes, you can substitute Brussels sprouts with broccoli, cauliflower, or even sweet potatoes, though cooking times may vary for different vegetables.
9. How can I make the Brussels sprouts even crispier?
To make the Brussels sprouts extra crispy, make sure they are cut in half, evenly coated in olive oil, and placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
10. Can I add a side dish to this meal?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a simple salad. You could also serve it with a dipping sauce like a peanut sauce or extra sweet chili sauce.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of crispy Brussels sprouts and juicy chicken, all coated in a sweet and savory sauce, is sure to become a family favorite. The air fryer makes this recipe easy and efficient, and the results are absolutely delicious. Give it a try for a simple, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor!
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Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts combines crispy chicken and Brussels sprouts with a flavorful sweet chili sauce for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. This one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a balance of savory and spicy flavors that are sure to impress. The air fryer ensures a crispy texture with minimal effort, making this a go-to recipe for any occasion.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
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Coat the chicken breasts with sweet chili sauce and soy sauce.
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Place both the chicken breasts and Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer.
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Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the Brussels sprouts are crispy.
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Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
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Variations: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sweet chili sauce for a spicier version. You can also include other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for a more colorful dish.
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Substitutions: Make the dish gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, a mix of honey and hot sauce works as a substitute.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and Brussels sprouts back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
