If you are craving a flavorful and crunchy delight that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes, this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is your ultimate go-to. Imagine tender chicken strips fried to golden crispiness and drenched in a glossy sauce that tingles the taste buds with every bite. This dish doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it brings an exciting explosion of flavors and textures to your plate, making weeknight dinners or casual gatherings incredibly special without fuss or stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe plays a vital role in achieving the perfect taste and texture. From the tender chicken breast pieces to the rich honey and spicy sriracha, each component enhances the final dish, ensuring it’s packed with vibrant flavors and irresistible crunch.
- 300 g Chicken Breast: The lean protein base that becomes juicy and tender after marinating and frying.
- 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce: Adds a deep umami flavor to the marinade, enriching the chicken’s taste.
- 1 tbsp Garlic And Ginger Paste: Brings a fragrant, spicy warmth that’s essential in Asian-inspired cooking.
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil: Introduces a nutty aroma that subtly lifts the dish.
- 1 tsp Sugar: Balances salty and spicy elements with a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tsp White Pepper: Delivers a sharp, mild heat that complements the chilli flavors.
- 3 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce: Used in the sauce for added depth and savoriness.
- 4 tbsp Honey: Provides a luscious sweetness and glossy finish to the dish.
- 1 tbsp Sriracha: Packs the dish with a perfectly spicy kick that wakes up the palate.
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy tang that brightens the intense flavors.
- 100 g Cornflour: The key to that stunning crispy coating on the chicken, giving crunch and lightness.
- 1 Egg White: Helps bind the cornstarch to the chicken, creating a delicate crust.
- 2 Spring Onions: For a fresh, mild oniony crunch as garnish.
- Vegetable Oil: A must for deep frying to get that irresistible golden crisp.
How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breast into thin strips. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly, giving you that perfect tender inside while allowing the coating to get crispy and light.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Combine the chicken strips with 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce, garlic and ginger paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Let this rest so the flavours fully seep into the meat, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Prepare Stir Fry Sauce
Mix together the 4 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon sriracha in a bowl. This luscious sauce is going to bring the sweet, tangy, and spicy harmony that defines the dish.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Whisk the egg white and toss it with the chicken and cornflour until every piece is thoroughly coated. This step is crucial to getting that crunchy exterior that makes this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe extra special.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a pan and deep fry the coated chicken strips until they’re beautifully golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil but keep all that crunch.
Step 6: Make the Stir Fry Sauce
In a separate pan, gently sauté some garlic and ginger until fragrant, then pour in the prepared stir fry sauce. Let it thicken slightly to a glossy consistency that will cling perfectly to the crispy chicken.
Step 7: Combine and Finish
Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the thickened sauce, making sure every single strip gets coated with that irresistible glaze. Add chopped spring onions for a fresh crunch, then it’s time to serve!
How to Serve Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped spring onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds adds freshness and texture contrast that complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fragrant fried rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside stir-fried greens or crunchy cucumber salad to balance the heat and richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in small bowls as a sharing appetizer with toothpicks at a party, or arrange over a bed of crispy noodles for a fun, eye-catching main dish. Even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fresh crunch makes a clever twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Crispy Chilli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together to maintain the flavors, but expect some crispiness to soften.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately to preserve texture. Reheat fully before combining to enjoy the dish close to freshly made quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often to prevent burning. Adding a splash of water or extra lemon juice can help refresh the sauce and keep the flavors vibrant without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more juiciness and flavor, but may need slightly longer cooking to achieve the same crispy texture.
How spicy is this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe?
The level of heat depends on the sriracha you use. You can adjust the amount for a milder or spicier dish tailored to your taste.
What can I substitute for cornflour?
Cornflour works best for the light crispy coating, but you can also use potato starch or rice flour as gluten-free alternatives.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, marinating the chicken for up to 4 hours in advance enhances flavor. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch, and double-check your sriracha brand if you need to keep it gluten-free. Otherwise, it’s easily adaptable.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is truly a winner when you want something quick, impressive, and absolutely delicious. It’s perfect for sharing or treating yourself to a tasty homemade meal that bursts with flavor and crunch. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how easy it is to bring restaurant-quality excitement to your dinner table any night of the week!
Print
Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
Description
Crispy Chilli Chicken is a flavorful Indo-Chinese dish featuring tender chicken strips marinated and coated in a crispy cornflour batter, then fried to golden perfection and tossed in a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and sriracha. This quick 30-minute recipe yields a deliciously crunchy and saucy chicken perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 300 g Chicken Breast, cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Garlic and Ginger Paste
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp White Pepper
Coating and Frying
- 100 g Cornflour (add more if needed)
- 1 Egg White
- Vegetable Oil, for frying
Stir Fry Sauce
- 3 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 4 tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
Garnish
- 2 Spring Onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into thin strips, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp white pepper. Mix well and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Stir Fry Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together 3 tbsp dark soy sauce, 4 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sriracha, and 2 tbsp lemon juice until well combined. Set aside.
- Coat the Chicken: Beat 1 egg white lightly and mix it with 100 g cornflour. Add the marinated chicken strips and coat each piece thoroughly with this batter, adding more cornflour if needed to get a thick crust.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the coated chicken strips in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Make Stir Fry Sauce: In a clean pan, sauté some garlic and ginger paste briefly until fragrant. Add the prepared stir fry sauce mixture and cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Combine: Toss the crispy fried chicken strips into the thickened sauce ensuring every piece is well coated. Add chopped spring onions and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the crispy chilli chicken hot as a delicious appetizer or with steamed rice as a flavorful main course.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure oil is hot enough before frying for crispiness but not smoking.
- You can substitute chicken breast with thigh meat for juicier results.
- Add extra cornflour if the batter seems too thin to get a better crispy coating.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispiness of the chicken.
