Crispy Chilli Chicken: 7 Steps to Spicy Perfection

Crispy Chilli Chicken

Crispy Chilli Chicken is a bold, restaurant-style Chinese stir-fry made at home with golden fried chicken tossed in a sticky, spicy, garlicky sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering all the flavors of your favorite takeout but with the comfort of home cooking. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chilli Chicken

This Crispy Chilli Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Here are a few reasons why you’ll love making it:

  • Quick prep time—ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Simple ingredients that pack a flavor punch.
  • Perfectly crispy chicken that holds up well in the sauce.
  • Versatile—adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
  • Great for meal prep; it reheats beautifully.
  • Pairs well with rice or noodles, making it a complete meal.

This dish is an authentic Chili Chicken Recipe that brings a taste of Chinese cuisine right into your kitchen. Enjoy the combination of spicy crispy chicken and sweet chili sauce that makes this dish a favorite!

Ingredients for Crispy Chilli Chicken

Gather these items:

  • 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon chili garlic paste or sambal oelek
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or sunflower oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 green chili, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • Spring onions & sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix chicken with egg, soy sauces, sesame oil, salt, pepper, cornstarch, and flour until fully coated. Rest for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Whisk all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: Discard excess oil, leaving 1 tablespoon. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and green chili until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add sliced red bell pepper and stir-fry for 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Pour in sauce and simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy and thick.
  7. Step 7: Add crispy chicken back to the pan and toss until evenly coated.
  8. Step 8: Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Chilli Chicken

Keep these in mind:

  • For maximum crispiness, ensure the chicken is well-coated before frying.
  • Using a deep pan helps maintain oil temperature for even cooking.
  • Adjust the level of chili according to your spice preference.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Chilli Chicken

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Chilli Chicken

To store, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place in a hot skillet for a few minutes until heated through. This is a great recipe for meal prep, making weeknight dinners a breeze!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Chilli Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Crispy Chilli Chicken?

The key to perfect Crispy Chilli Chicken is ensuring the chicken is coated well and frying it in batches to maintain oil temperature.

Can I make Crispy Chilli Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just fry the chicken right before serving for that crispy texture!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crispy Chilli Chicken?

Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and stays crispy. Also, do not skip the resting time after coating.

Variations of Crispy Chilli Chicken You Can Try

Feel free to get creative with:

  • Adding cashews for a crunchy texture.
  • Substituting chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • Using different vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas for extra nutrition.

For more delicious recipes, check out homemade tomato sauce or Mediterranean chickpea salad!

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Crispy Chilli Chicken: 7 Steps to Spicy Perfection

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Crispy Chilli Chicken is a bold, restaurant-style Chinese stir-fry made at home with golden fried chicken tossed in a sticky, spicy, garlicky sauce.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon chili garlic paste or sambal oelek
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or sunflower oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 green chili, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • Spring onions & sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix chicken with egg, soy sauces, sesame oil, salt, pepper, cornstarch, and flour until fully coated. Rest for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Whisk all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Discard excess oil, leaving 1 tablespoon. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and green chili until fragrant.
  5. Add sliced red bell pepper and stir-fry for 1 minute.
  6. Pour in sauce and simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy and thick.
  7. Add crispy chicken back to the pan and toss until evenly coated.
  8. Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Notes

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 420
    • Sugar: 10g
    • Sodium: 800mg
    • Fat: 18g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Carbohydrates: 38g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Protein: 28g
    • Cholesterol: 150mg

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    Hi! I’m Margaret!

    A passionate home cook and food lover who loves nothing more than sharing my favourite recipes with the world.

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