Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a dish that brings together the perfect balance of crunch, spice, and sweetness, this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is an absolute game changer. From tender chicken strips with a satisfyingly crisp coating to the vibrant, sticky sauce that clings beautifully with just the right kick, this dish will have you reaching for seconds before you’ve even taken your first bite. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, this recipe delivers bold flavors and textures that never disappoint.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each pack a punch. They come together to enhance the chicken’s texture and flavor while creating a harmonious sauce that’s bursting with personality and color.

• 300g Chicken Breast: Cut into thin strips for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• 1 Egg White: Helps the cornflour batter stick perfectly to the chicken for that ideal crunch.
• 100g Cornflour: Creates the light, crispy coating that defines this dish.
• Vegetable Oil: Essential for deep frying to get that golden brown finish.
• 2 Spring Onions: Chopped and used as a fresh garnish to brighten dish visually and in flavor.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Adds a rich, umami depth to both the marinade and the sauce.
• Garlic and Ginger Paste: Infuses bold aromatic flavors, a classic duo you’ll find hard to skip.
• Sesame Oil: Provides a subtle nutty note that elevates the marinade.
• Sugar: Balances the savory and spicy components with a touch of sweetness.
• White Pepper: Introduces a gentle heat and complexity.
• Honey: Brings a luscious sweetness to the sauce, helping it glaze the chicken beautifully.
• Sriracha: Intensifies the chili heat with a smoky, tangy edge.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh citrus punch that cuts through the richness, waking up the palette.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice your chicken breast into thin, uniform strips. This ensures they cook quickly and crisply, giving you that coveted crunchy exterior without drying out the meat inside. Setting the chicken aside after slicing helps you focus on creating the perfect marinade next.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

This step is key for infusing your chicken with flavor. Toss the strips into a bowl with dark soy sauce, garlic and ginger paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. The soy sauce adds depth, the paste offers a fragrant heat, and the sugar balances it all, resulting in tender, flavor-packed chicken ready to be transformed.

Step 3: Mix the Stir Fry Sauce

While the chicken marinates, combine dark soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and lemon juice in a small bowl. This blend creates an irresistible sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and tangy, perfectly complementing the crispy chicken. Set this aside—you’ll bring it to life later when everything comes together.

Step 4: Batter the Chicken

Add an egg white to the marinated chicken and mix well. This acts like glue, helping the cornflour cling to each piece. Then, gradually sprinkle in cornflour, coating every strip with a fine, even layer. Add extra cornflour if needed—the goal is a light but thorough coating that will fry up crispy and golden.

Step 5: First Fry

Heat your vegetable oil to around 180°C (356°F). Carefully drop the coated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes until the pieces turn lightly golden and cooked through. This initial fry is crucial for locking in moisture before the final crisping.

Step 6: Double-Fry for Crispiness

The secret to achieving that crave-worthy crunch is frying the chicken a second time. Return the partly cooked strips into the hot oil and fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This method creates an ultra-crispy exterior that stays delightfully crunchy, even once sauced.

Step 7: Prepare the Sauce Base

In a clean pan, warm a tablespoon of oil and quickly sauté some garlic and ginger paste just until fragrant—about 5 to 10 seconds. This releases their essential oils, setting the aromatic foundation for your sauce without burning the delicate bits.

Step 8: Toss in Sauce

Add the previously mixed stir-fry sauce to your pan. Stir and let it bubble gently for about 30 seconds to thicken slightly. This step intensifies the flavors while creating that stick-to-your-fingers glaze that makes Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe so addictive.

Step 9: Combine and Serve

Transfer your golden, crispy chicken pieces into the pan with the thickened sauce. Toss everything together, making sure every piece is luxuriously coated. Garnish generously with chopped spring onions for freshness, and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of crispy chicken enveloped in sticky, spicy sauce.

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Chopped spring onions are the go-to here, adding a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or thinly sliced red chilies if you’re feeling adventurous and want to amp up the heat even more.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice which soaks up the sticky sauce wonderfully. For a balanced meal, serve with stir-fried vegetables or a crunchy Asian-style slaw to add texture and freshness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the crispy chilli chicken on a bed of crispy noodles or inside lettuce cups for a hands-on appetizer experience. You could even turn it into a fusion-style wrap with soft tortillas, fresh herbs, and crunchy slaw for a perfect lunchbox surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers should be cooled completely and transferred to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the best possible texture, keep the sauce and the fried chicken separate if you know you won’t be reheating right away.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh to savor that crispy texture, you can freeze the cooked chicken strips before saucing. Lay them flat on a tray and freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back some crunch, reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. Toss the sauce in a pan to warm it separately, then combine just before serving to keep your Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe tasting fresh and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and have more fat which can enhance flavor and tenderness, but make sure to slice them into thin strips and adjust cooking times slightly if needed to ensure they’re cooked through.

What’s the best oil for frying this dish?

Vegetable oil or any neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil works best. They handle the high frying temperature without burning and help achieve that perfect crispiness.

How spicy is the Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the sriracha, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha or even some fresh chopped chilies to suit your taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the dark soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari and ensuring your cornflour is certified gluten-free, you can enjoy this recipe without gluten concerns.

Is it okay to grill or bake instead of frying?

While frying is key to the signature crunch, you can bake or air fry chicken strips as a healthier alternative, but the texture will be different—less crispy and slightly chewier. If going this route, coat the chicken well and watch closely to avoid drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that genuinely brings warmth, flavor, and fun to your dinner table. With its perfect balance of crunch and sauce, plus the joyful explosion of flavors, I’m confident once you try it, it’ll quickly become a family favorite. So, fire up that oil and get ready to indulge in some seriously delicious chicken that’s sure to impress everyone around your table!

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