Spicy Maple Soy Chicken
Spicy Maple Soy Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 lemon, zested
For the Sticky Glaze
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili crunch oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, combine the boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
While the chicken marinates, prepare the sticky glaze. In a medium saucepan or skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
⏱️ 2 min
- 3
Pour in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and rice vinegar. Stir well to combine. Add the chili crunch oil and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
⏱️ 3 min
- 4
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering glaze, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
⏱️ 3 min
- 5
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, if needed, to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 2 min•🌡️ 400
- 6
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
⏱️ 2 min
- 7
Air fry the chicken for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and has a nice golden-brown color with some charred edges.
⏱️ 15 min•🌡️ 400
- 8
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it directly into the saucepan with the prepared sticky glaze. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated in the sweet and spicy sauce.
⏱️ 2 min
- 9
Serve the Spicy Maple Soy Chicken immediately, spooning any extra glaze over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables.
⏱️ 1 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Spicy Maple Soy Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 lemon, zested
For the Sticky Glaze
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili crunch oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, combine the boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
While the chicken marinates, prepare the sticky glaze. In a medium saucepan or skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
⏱️ 2 min - 3
Pour in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and rice vinegar. Stir well to combine. Add the chili crunch oil and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
⏱️ 3 min - 4
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering glaze, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
⏱️ 3 min - 5
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, if needed, to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 2 min•🌡️ 400 - 6
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
⏱️ 2 min - 7
Air fry the chicken for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and has a nice golden-brown color with some charred edges.
⏱️ 15 min•🌡️ 400 - 8
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it directly into the saucepan with the prepared sticky glaze. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated in the sweet and spicy sauce.
⏱️ 2 min - 9
Serve the Spicy Maple Soy Chicken immediately, spooning any extra glaze over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables.
⏱️ 1 min