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Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs - Easy Chicken Recipes That Hit the Spot

We all have those evenings, right? The ones where your brain says takeout, but your wallet says “how ‘bout no?” 🍗 That’s when I reach for this sticky sweet chili chicken thigh recipe. It’s packed with bold flavor, a little heat, and that beautiful caramelized finish that makes it hard to believe you cooked it yourself. And here’s the kicker—most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen. Let’s be honest, I didn’t set out to win a chicken cook-off. I just wanted something that didn’t taste like sadness after a long workday. These thighs are the answer. I mean, do you hear that sizzle? That’s the sound of success, my friend. 🥢 And no, it doesn’t require a culinary degree or a second mortgage. Just a few pantry staples, a hot oven, and some patience (okay, not too much). So whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just trying not to burn dinner again, this one’s a keeper. Fair warning: you might end up licking your plate. And honestly, I won’t judge if you do. 🤭
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dinners
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: air fryer easy recipes, chicken stirfry easy recipe, easy chicken recipes, easy recipes for dinner, easy recipes with rotisserie chicken, quick and easy recipes, sweet easy recipes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Elena

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped green onions & sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get extra crispy—trust me, it’s worth the extra 30 seconds.
  3. In a bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides, then place it in a baking dish, skin side up.
  5. Brush or spoon the sauce all over the chicken, making sure every piece gets some love.
  6. Bake uncovered for about 35 minutes, or until the chicken hits 165°F inside and the tops are caramelized and slightly charred.
  7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if you're feelin' fancy. Serve hot!