There’s something magical about the way sweet chili sauce transforms an ordinary chicken dinner into a crave-worthy dish. The balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors makes every bite sing. I love this recipe because it feels like I’m eating restaurant-style takeout, but it’s actually healthier and made right in my own kitchen. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes — which means I can go from hungry to happy without spending hours in the kitchen.
I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every single time it’s a hit. The air fryer locks in the chicken’s juices, giving it a tender inside and lightly crispy outside. The sticky sweet chili glaze clings to each bite, making it utterly irresistible. If you’ve been looking for a weeknight dinner that’s as easy as it is flavorful, this is going to be your new favorite.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken breast: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and stay tender in the air fryer. Cutting them into bite-sized cubes helps them cook evenly and allows more surface area for that delicious sweet chili glaze to stick.
Sweet chili sauce: This is the heart of the recipe. Sweet chili sauce brings the perfect combination of mild heat and sweetness, with a subtle tang that brightens the dish. It’s widely available in most grocery stores and adds instant flavor without extra effort.
Soy sauce: A splash of soy sauce deepens the flavor and adds a savory umami punch. It also balances the sweetness of the chili sauce, making the dish taste more complex.
Garlic powder: While fresh garlic is wonderful, garlic powder works beautifully here for a quick and even distribution of flavor. It adds that warm, aromatic note that pairs perfectly with the chili sauce.
Olive oil: Just a drizzle helps the chicken crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. It also helps carry the seasonings so every bite is flavorful.
Salt and pepper: Sometimes the simplest seasonings make the biggest difference. A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, while freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This step is important for getting that light crisp in the air fryer. Once dry, place the chicken in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Season the chicken
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat each piece evenly so the flavors are locked in before cooking.
Step 3: Air fry the chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Coat with sweet chili sauce
Once the chicken is cooked through and golden, transfer it to a clean bowl. Pour the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce over the hot chicken, tossing until every piece is coated in the sticky, flavorful glaze.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Serve immediately while warm. This chicken pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even tucked into lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Cut chicken evenly: Similar-sized pieces ensure the chicken cooks evenly in the air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air circulation is key to getting that slight crisp on the outside.
- Pat chicken dry first: This helps the oil and seasonings stick better and prevents steaming.
- Adjust the heat: If you like it spicier, stir a bit of sriracha into the sweet chili sauce before tossing.
- Make it ahead: You can season and refrigerate the chicken up to 4 hours before cooking for even more flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well — just adjust the cooking time by a couple of minutes if they’re thicker.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is sweet chili sauce very spicy?
Not usually. It’s more sweet than hot, with a gentle kick. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just cook the chicken in batches so the air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded.