Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
If you’re seeking a dynamite combination of juicy chicken, a golden crunch, and a sweet-spicy kick that wakes up every taste bud, you’re in for a treat with this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe. This is one of those takeout classics that instantly turns any meal into an occasion, yet it’s so fun and doable in your own kitchen. Piled high with glossy sauce and an irresistible crunch, this is the dish to pull out when you want to wow yourself or anyone lucky enough to be at your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can transform into something truly spectacular in this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe. Each element has its own starring role: some bring heat, some sweetness, and others provide that signature crispy crust.
- Chicken Breast (300 g): Use boneless, skinless breasts for strips that stay juicy and tender inside.
- Cornflour (100 g or more as needed): Essential for that ultra-crispy coating—don’t skimp and add more if necessary to get every piece dusted well.
- Garlic and Ginger Paste (2 tsp total): This fragrant duo adds deep flavor in both the marinade and the sauce.
- Egg White (1): Binds the coating beautifully and makes the crust shatteringly good.
- Spring Onions (2): For a fresh, peppery crunch at the end—plus they add wonderful color.
- Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil for frying so the flavors shine through.
- Dark Soy Sauce (5 tbsp total): Rich umami flavor and a gorgeous caramel color for sauce and marinade.
- Sesame Oil (1 tsp): Adds unmistakable nutty depth to your marinade.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Just enough to balance the heat and bring out other flavors.
- White Pepper (1 tsp): A gentle heat that builds as you eat—don’t skip it.
- Honey (4 tbsp): Creates that alluring sticky-sweet finish.
- Sriracha (1 tbsp): For the perfect chili zing—adjust more or less to your taste.
- Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Brightens everything up in the sauce with tangy freshness.
How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by trimming your chicken breasts and slicing them into thin, uniform strips. This ensures even cooking and plenty of surface area for all that sensational crunch and sauce in your Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe.
Step 2: Marinate for Flavor
In a large mixing bowl, add your cut chicken along with dark soy sauce, garlic and ginger paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Toss until everything’s nicely coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes—this short rest injects flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
Step 3: Mix the Stir Fry Sauce
While your chicken is soaking up flavor, grab a small bowl and combine honey, lemon juice, dark soy sauce, and sriracha. Stir until smooth and set aside. This punchy sauce is key to that signature sticky-spicy-sweet glaze.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
To your marinated chicken, add an egg white and mix well—it’s what gives the chicken its airy crunch. Next, pour in the cornflour and mix thoroughly, making sure every piece is completely coated without any wet spots.
Step 5: Fry for Maximum Crispiness
Pour vegetable oil into a wok or deep frying pan and heat to 180°C. Fry the chicken strips in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until light golden. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Once all the chicken is fried once, give them a second fry for 2 to 3 minutes—this double fry method is the secret to the irresistible crunch of the Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe.
Step 6: Simmer the Sauce
In a clean pan, heat a little oil and briefly fry the remaining garlic and ginger paste (about 5 to 10 seconds—don’t let it burn!). Pour in your pre-mixed sauce and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring, until it turns glossy and thickens slightly.
Step 7: Toss and Serve
Add your hot, crispy chicken straight into the simmering sauce. Toss well so every strip gets a rich, shiny coating. Finally, sprinkle with sliced spring onions, toss again, and serve immediately for the best flavor and crunch.
How to Serve Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
There’s nothing like a generous sprinkle of freshly sliced spring onions to bring a pop of color and gentle oniony bite to each plate. For extra flair, try a scattering of sesame seeds or a twist of fresh red chili if you want added heat and a gorgeous visual wow factor.
Side Dishes
Pair this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice to soak up every bit of that lip-smacking sauce. Lightly stir-fried greens or a crisp cucumber salad round things out perfectly, offering a cooling counterpoint to the heat and richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, serve the chicken on a big platter with toothpicks for an irresistible finger food. To make it restaurant-style at home, arrange the strips over a bed of vibrant noodles and shower with fresh herbs. Even piling them high in lettuce cups is a fun, light twist that’ll have everyone talking!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. While the crust will lose some of its initial crunch, the chicken stays succulent and the flavors deepen overnight.
Freezing
It’s best to freeze just the cooked chicken strips before saucing if you want to preserve their texture. Lay them out on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a bag or container. The sauce can be made fresh when you’re ready to serve, ensuring maximum flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat chicken strips in a hot oven or air fryer so they regain some crunch. Then, warm the sauce separately and toss just before eating. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it leads to sogginess.
FAQs
Can I make this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe gluten free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the dark soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or soy alternative. Double check the rest of your ingredients, and you’re all set for a gluten free feast.
Why double fry the chicken?
Double frying is what gives this dish its legendary crunch. The first fry cooks the chicken, while the second blast crisps up the coating to shattering perfection, making the Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe irresistible.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully here, delivering even more juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to trim off excess fat and cut them into thin strips for even cooking.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Definitely! Try swapping the chicken for firm tofu or cauliflower florets. The coating and sauce technique remain the same, so vegetarians won’t miss out on that iconic crunch and flavor.
How spicy is this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe?
It has a balanced medium spice level, thanks to the sriracha and white pepper, but you can easily dial the heat up or down. Simply adjust the amount of sriracha to match your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
Give this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe a try and see how easily takeout-style magic happens in your own kitchen. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and truly hard to resist—a dish you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again!
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Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy and spicy with this delicious Crispy Chilli Chicken recipe. Tender chicken strips coated in a flavorful marinade, fried to perfection, and tossed in a sweet and tangy chilli sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 300 g Chicken Breast
- 100 g Cornflour (add more if needed)
- 1 tsp Garlic And Ginger Paste
- 1 Egg White
- 2 Spring Onions
- Vegetable Oil
For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Garlic And Ginger Paste
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp White Pepper
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- 3 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 4 tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Preheat: Prepare the chicken breast by cutting it into thin strips.
- Marinade: Place chicken in a bowl, add marinade ingredients, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Prep: Mix stir fry sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
- Coat: Mix egg white and cornflour with chicken until coated.
- Fry: Fry chicken in oil until crispy.
- Simmer: Cook garlic and ginger paste, then add stir fry sauce and thicken.
- Combine: Toss crispy chicken in sauce, add spring onions, and serve.
Notes
- Cornflour amount may vary depending on desired crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Crispy Chilli Chicken, Asian Chicken Recipe, Spicy Chicken Dish
