If you love bold flavors with a perfect crunch, this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is an absolute game changer for your weeknight dinners. Juicy chicken strips get marinated in a zesty blend of soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then coated in a light, crispy batter that fries up beautifully golden. The final toss in a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce makes every bite unforgettable, delivering just the right balance between heat and sweetness. It’s a celebration of textures and flavors that’s surprisingly easy to pull off but tastes like you’ve spent hours perfecting it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to mastering this dish, but don’t worry—it’s all straightforward stuff that bring big flavor and texture to your Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe. Each ingredient plays its part, from ensuring the chicken crisps up just right to creating that irresistible sauce that ties everything together.
- 300g Chicken Breast: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and maximum surface area for the crispy coating.
- 1 Egg White: Helps the cornflour stick to the chicken, ensuring a light, crunchy batter.
- 100g Cornflour: The magic behind the crispiness—adds that perfect crunch when fried.
- Vegetable Oil: Essential for deep frying, choose a neutral oil to let the flavors shine.
- 2 Spring Onions: Fresh and mildly pungent, great for garnish and a final pop of color.
- 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce: Adds a deep umami note to the marinade and sauce.
- 1 tbsp Garlic and Ginger Paste: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic undertones.
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil: A small amount packs a nutty fragrance that elevates the flavors.
- 1 tsp Sugar: Balances the spicy and salty elements with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tsp White Pepper: Brings subtle heat without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 3 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce: For the stir-fry sauce, intensifying the savory richness.
- 4 tbsp Honey: Sweet and sticky, perfect for the signature glaze of the dish.
- 1 tbsp Sriracha: Adds a fiery kick with a bit of tang.
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice: Gives the sauce a refreshing, citrusy lift.
- 1 tbsp Garlic and Ginger Paste: For the sauce base, reinforcing the core flavors.
How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Begin by slicing your chicken breast into thin strips—this helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly. Toss the chicken in a bowl with the dark soy sauce, garlic and ginger paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes; this step lets the chicken soak up those savory, aromatic flavors that build the dish’s foundation.
Step 2: Mix the Stir Fry Sauce
While the chicken marinates, combine dark soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and lemon juice in a small bowl. This sweet, spicy, and tangy mix will become the luscious sauce that brings your Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe to life.
Step 3: Batter the Chicken
Whisk the egg white into the marinated chicken, coating each piece thoroughly. Sprinkle in the cornflour and mix again, making sure every strip is evenly dusted with the powder. If needed, add a bit more cornflour so the chicken gets a nice, thick coating—this ensures maximum crispiness once fried.
Step 4: First Fry
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep frying pan to about 180°C (356°F). Fry the coated chicken strips in small batches for 1 to 2 minutes. You want them just cooked through and golden, not fully crispy yet. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 5: Double-Fry for Crispiness
Return the chicken strips to the hot oil and fry for another 2 to 3 minutes. This second fry is crucial—it gives the chicken that irresistible, extra crunch and golden color we all crave in a Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe. Drain well once done.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce Base
In a clean pan, warm a tablespoon of oil and sauté a tablespoon of garlic and ginger paste just until fragrant (about 5 to 10 seconds). This quick step releases the essential aromas without burning the paste.
Step 7: Toss in Sauce and Combine
Add the pre-mixed stir-fry sauce to the pan and stir for about 30 seconds until the sauce bubbles and thickens slightly. Then, toss the crispy chicken into this sauce, ensuring every piece is glazed evenly. The contrast between the crunchy chicken and sticky sauce is what makes this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe so addictive.
How to Serve Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped spring onions over the hot chicken just before serving. This simple garnish adds a lovely pop of bright green and a fresh, slightly pungent flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables or crunchy Asian slaw for some extra balance and color on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve your Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe in a large shallow bowl or platter with scattered sesame seeds and slices of fresh red chili on top. You can also serve it in little lettuce cups for a fun, handheld appetizer or party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Chilli Chicken should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 2 days to maintain its flavor and texture. You might notice the chicken soften over time, but reheating techniques can help revive some of that crispiness.
Freezing
This recipe is not ideal for freezing because the crispy texture will degrade once thawed. However, if necessary, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers and consume within 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, spread the chicken pieces on a baking tray and heat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This method helps restore some of the crispiness better than microwaving, which tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add more flavor, but remember to slice them thinly to ensure even cooking and crispiness in this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level primarily comes from the sriracha, which you can adjust according to your taste. Start with less and increase as you like to match your preferred spice tolerance.
Is cornflour necessary for the crispiness?
Yes, cornflour is key for that signature crunch. It creates a light, crispy coating that plain flour or other starches may not achieve as effectively.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance and pre-mix the sauce. However, for the crispiest chicken, fry and toss with the sauce just before serving.
What can I substitute if I don’t have dark soy sauce?
If you don’t have dark soy sauce, use regular soy sauce with a small pinch of molasses or brown sugar to mimic the sweetness and depth. Keep in mind it may slightly change the color and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about a Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe that delivers punchy flavors and textures in every bite. It’s a dish that always impresses without requiring complicated steps or exotic ingredients. Once you’ve made this recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite go-to for sharing delicious, crunchy joy with family and friends. So grab your frying pan, and get ready for a meal that’s full of flavor and fun!
