Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that the whole family will love, then you’ve come to the right place! My Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is a recipe that never fails to impress. The marriage of spicy chili ginger chicken breast with crispy brussels sprouts makes for a delightful combination that’s both satisfying and healthy. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or even casual family gatherings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish not only tastes incredible but also comes together in just 30 minutes! It’s one of those recipes that I often turn to when I need a burst of flavor without too much fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have this meal on the table in no time!
• Family-Friendly: The sweet chili sauce adds a nice kick that kids adore, making it great for all ages.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Versatile: Perfect for meal prep or serving on special occasions, this recipe fits any occasion.
• Crispy Perfection: The air fryer gives the brussels sprouts an amazing crunch while keeping everything juicy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delightful dish. You might already have a few of these in your pantry!

For the Brussels Sprouts

• 12 oz Brussels Sprouts, stemmed and halved*
• 1 Tablespoon (16g) Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper

For the Chicken

• 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, diced
• 1 Tablespoon (16g) Chili Oil*
• 2 teaspoons Ground Ginger
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt

For Serving

• 1/4 cup (60g) Sweet Chili Sauce, plus more for serving

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few ideas to switch things up according to your taste preferences:

• Swap the protein: Try using tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a plant-based option.
• Change up your veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chili oil or omit the chili powder.
• Add herbs: Toss in some fresh cilantro or green onions before serving for added freshness.

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Start by cutting off the stems from your brussels sprouts. After that, cut them in half and toss them with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. This step is essential because it enhances their flavor and helps them become beautifully crispy during air frying.

Step 2: Air Fry the Brussels Sprouts

Place the seasoned brussels sprouts into your air fryer basket. Set it to cook at 400ºF for 10 minutes. This initial cooking time allows them to get tender and start crisping up perfectly.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

While your brussels sprouts are cooking away, it’s time to prepare your chicken! In a bowl, coat the diced chicken breast in chili oil. Then mix in ground ginger, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt until all pieces are well-covered. This will give your chicken fantastic flavor.

Step 4: Combine & Continue Cooking

After the brussels sprouts have cooked for 10 minutes, gently add the coated chicken breast into the air fryer basket. Stir everything together carefully so that all components mix well. This ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Air fry everything together at 400ºF for another 10-12 minutes until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160ºF to 165ºF. Remember to stir halfway through—this little tip keeps everything crispy!

Step 6: Add Sweet Chili Sauce

Finally, add in your sweet chili sauce and stir everything together again. If you like a caramelized finish (and who doesn’t?), air fry or broil for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve warm with rice, toasted sesame seeds, lime wedges, and more sweet chili sauce if desired!

Enjoy this delightful Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts—the flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, your Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts will shine even brighter!

• Choose fresh Brussels sprouts: Fresh sprouts have a sweeter flavor and better texture, which enhances the overall dish. Look for bright green, firm sprouts for the best results.
• Ensure even cooking: Cut your chicken into uniform pieces to promote even cooking. This helps prevent some pieces from drying out while others remain undercooked.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give your ingredients some space in the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than crisping, so work in batches if necessary.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to drizzle more sweet chili sauce on top after cooking. It allows for personal customization that can suit any palate.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to swap out or add spices to suit your taste! A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne can give it an extra kick if you love heat.

How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Presenting your dish beautifully can make the meal feel extra special. Here are some fun ideas to serve this delicious combination!

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle some fresh chopped green onions on top for a burst of color and mild onion flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch that complements the dish beautifully.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side; a squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Coconut Rice: The creamy sweetness of coconut rice balances the spicy flavors perfectly and adds a tropical twist.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette makes for a refreshing side that pairs well with this dish’s richness.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful stir-fried veggies like bell peppers and snap peas will add crunch and nutrition while enhancing the meal visually.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice provides a great base that soaks up any extra sauce while being light and fluffy.

With these serving suggestions and tips in mind, you’re ready to delight your family or guests with an unforgettable meal! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious meals throughout the week without spending too much time in the kitchen!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the chicken and brussels sprouts cool before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350ºF for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions that might help clarify your cooking experience!

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts in this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts. However, make sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to crisp up.

What can I serve with Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa. You can also add a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I make my chicken more flavorful in the Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts?

Marinating the chicken in chili oil and spices ahead of time can enhance its flavor. You could also add soy sauce or lime juice for an extra zing!

Is this recipe healthy?

Absolutely! This recipe is packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the Brussels sprouts, making it a nutritious option for dinner.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up this delightful Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts! It’s not just quick and easy; it’s bursting with flavor that brings comfort to your table. Enjoy making this dish and savor every bite. Can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!