If you’re craving something that offers an unbeatable combination of crunch, spice, and a touch of sweetness, then you’ve arrived at the perfect place. This Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe brings together tender chicken strips enveloped in a gloriously crispy coating, tossed in a wonderfully tangy and fiery sauce that dances on your palate. It’s a dish that’s not only simple to whip up but also guaranteed to become a favorite whenever you want that perfect balance of texture and bold flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe are straightforward but incredibly important, each playing a unique role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish so memorable.
- 300 g Chicken Breast: Choose fresh, lean chicken for tender, juicy strips.
- 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce: Adds depth and a rich umami base to your marinade.
- 1 tbsp Garlic And Ginger Paste: Brings an aromatic punch that wakes up the taste buds.
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil: A subtle nuttiness that complements the chili flavors perfectly.
- 1 tsp Sugar: Balances the heat and saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tsp White Pepper: Offers a mild heat and distinct peppery note.
- 3 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (for sauce): Intensifies the saucy glaze with robust savory flavor.
- 4 tbsp Honey: Provides the sticky sweetness that coats the crispy chicken beautifully.
- 1 tbsp Sriracha: Adds a fiery kick with a hint of garlicky heat.
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice: Imparts a refreshing tang that lifts the entire dish.
- 100 g Cornflour: The key to achieving that irresistible crunch on the chicken pieces.
- 1 Egg White: Helps bind the cornflour to the chicken, ensuring an even, crispy coating.
- 2 Spring Onions: Freshness and a mild onion bite, perfect for the final toss.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection.
How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cut the Chicken
Start with clean, fresh chicken breast and slice it into thin, bite-sized strips. This ensures each piece cooks quickly and evenly, and also gives you more surface area for that crispy coating to cling to.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Combine the chicken strips with 2 tablespoons of dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of garlic and ginger paste, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of white pepper. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes to soak up all those fragrant spices and seasoning. Marinating is crucial here because it infuses the meat with layers of flavor well before it hits the oil.
Step 3: Get the Stir Fry Sauce Ready
While the chicken marinates, whisk together 3 tablespoons of dark soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of sriracha, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. This bright, tangy, and spicy sauce is what will coat the crispy chicken, creating that addictive sweet-heat factor.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the marinated chicken with the egg white and cornflour. This mixture acts as a crispy armor when fried, so make sure each piece is completely coated in this thick, sticky batter-like layer.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan until shimmering. Fry the coated chicken strips in batches until they turn a golden brown and achieve that perfect crispy crunch. Don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil temperature, which is critical for creating that signature crispiness.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce Base
Using a clean pan, lightly sauté a bit more garlic and ginger paste for an additional aromatic layer, then pour in your previously mixed stir fry sauce. Allow it to simmer briefly until it thickens to a glossy glaze that will cling deliciously to the chicken.
Step 7: Combine and Toss
Add the fried chicken pieces back into the pan with the thickened sauce, toss to coat every bite with that luscious sticky sauce, then throw in sliced spring onions for that crisp, fresh zing. Give it one last quick toss and it’s ready to serve.
How to Serve Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly sliced spring onions not only add a pop of color but also introduce a subtle crunch and mild sharpness that balances the sweet and spicy sauce. For extra flair, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped coriander leaves to enhance aroma and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fragrant steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up every last drop of sauce. You could also serve it alongside stir-fried veggies or crunchy cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive, restaurant-style presentation, serve the chicken on a bed of fresh greens or crunchy lettuce leaves. Drizzle a little extra sauce on top and arrange with thin chili slivers for added heat and stunning color contrast. It’s perfect for sharing at parties or special dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover crispy chilli chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 2 days, maintaining much of its texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep this deliciousness longer, freezing is possible. Flash freeze the fried and sauced chicken pieces on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags. They’ll maintain quality for up to 1 month, though the crispiness may soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To revive that irresistible crispiness, reheated chicken should be placed in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. This helps restore the crunchy coating while warming the sauce evenly without sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is preferred for its lean texture, you can use chicken thighs for juicier results. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure thorough cooking.
How spicy is this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe?
The spice level is moderate due to the sriracha and white pepper, but feel free to adjust by adding more or less sriracha or incorporating fresh chili slices to suit your taste preferences.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the dark soy sauce with tamari and ensure your cornflour and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to safely make this dish gluten-free.
What’s the best oil to use for frying?
Choose vegetable oil or any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil. These oils fry crisply without imparting unwanted flavors.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
To create a vegan version, swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower florets and use vegan substitutes for egg white in the coating. Adjust sauce ingredients accordingly to avoid any animal products.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is a brilliant way to impress yourself and your loved ones with a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare. The combination of that crispy coating with the gorgeous sweet and spicy sauce is simply irresistible. So go ahead, dive into this flavor-packed journey — you won’t regret making it your favorite go-to chicken dish!
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Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
This Crispy Chilli Chicken recipe features tender strips of chicken breast coated in a crunchy cornflour batter, fried until golden and tossed in a flavorful, sticky sauce made from honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and sriracha. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, and spring onions, this dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal quick and delicious Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 300 g Chicken Breast
- 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Garlic and Ginger Paste
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp White Pepper
Stir Fry Sauce
- 3 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 4 tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
Batter and Coating
- 100 g Cornflour (add more if needed)
- 1 Egg White
Additional Ingredients
- 2 Spring Onions, chopped
- Vegetable Oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the chicken strips with dark soy sauce, garlic and ginger paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Mix well and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Stir Fry Sauce: In a bowl, mix together honey, lemon juice, dark soy sauce, and sriracha to create the sweet and spicy sauce that will coat the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white lightly and add cornflour. Toss the marinated chicken strips into this mixture until each piece is well coated with the batter.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken strips in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Make Stir Fry Sauce: In a clean pan, sauté additional garlic and ginger paste briefly until fragrant. Add the prepared stir fry sauce mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine: Add the crispy fried chicken to the thickened sauce in the pan, tossing well to coat all pieces evenly. Sprinkle chopped spring onions over the top and mix gently.
- Serve: Serve the crispy chilli chicken hot as a main dish with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of sriracha.
- Adjust the cornflour quantity for the batter to achieve the desired coating thickness.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure crispiness and avoid soggy chicken.
- Use fresh spring onions for the best flavor and garnish.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
