Why You’ll Love Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
This Crispy Chilli Chicken is irresistible for several reasons:
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The chicken turns out crispy on the outside and juicy inside thanks to the cornflour coating and double‑fry method.
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The sauce has a balanced sweet and spicy kick, with honey, sriracha, and soy creating a delicious glaze.
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It’s a simple and fun dish to make at home, perfect for recreating takeaway vibes in your kitchen.
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Works great with rice, noodles, or as a party dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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 frying
Chicken Marinade
2 tbsp Dark soy sauce
1 tbsp Garlic and ginger paste
1 tsp Sesame oil
1 tsp Sugar
1 tsp White pepper
Stir Fry Sauce
3 tbsp Dark soy sauce
4 tbsp Honey
1 tbsp Sriracha
2 tbsp Lemon juice
Directions
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Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into thin strips.
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Marinate: Place the chicken in a large bowl and add dark soy sauce, garlic and ginger paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
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Make the stir fry sauce: While the chicken marinates, combine honey, lemon juice, dark soy sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. Set aside.
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Coat the chicken: Add the egg white to the marinated chicken and mix. Pour in the cornflour and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated.
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Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan to about 180°C (350°F). Fry the chicken strips for 1–2 minutes, then remove. Fry them again for 2–3 minutes to get them extra crispy.
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Cook the sauce: In a clean pan, heat a tablespoon of oil and fry the garlic and ginger paste for about 5–10 seconds. Add the prepared stir fry sauce and stir for about 30 seconds until it thickens slightly.
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Combine: Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss until well coated. Sprinkle with chopped spring onions and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 3 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Marinade time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian version: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets.
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Extra spicy: Add red chilli flakes or increase the amount of sriracha.
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Tangier flavour: Add more lemon juice or a splash of rice vinegar.
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Less sweet: Reduce the honey for a more savoury profile.
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and check all sauces for gluten.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2–3 days.
Reheat in a preheated oven at about 175°C (350°F) for 5–10 minutes to help retain some crispiness. Microwave reheating will make the coating softer, so the oven method is preferred.
FAQs
What cut of chicken is best for Crispy Chilli Chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs work well. Breast gives a leaner texture, while thighs are juicier.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used and will result in slightly more flavourful and juicy pieces.
Do I have to deep fry the chicken?
Deep frying gives the best crispiness, but you can shallow fry if you prefer less oil usage.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, baking is possible but it won’t be as crunchy as frying.
How do I make the sauce less spicy?
Reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute with sweet chilli sauce for milder heat.
Can this recipe be gluten‑free?
Yes, if you use gluten‑free soy sauce and ensure all other sauces are gluten‑free.
What can I serve with Crispy Chilli Chicken?
Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or even in wraps.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh; freezing may soften the crispy coating.
How do I reheat to keep it crispy?
Reheat in an oven or air fryer to preserve crispiness instead of using a microwave.
Conclusion
Crispy Chilli Chicken is a delicious, flavorful dish that brings the joy of takeaway cooking into your home. With a crunchy exterior, juicy interior, and a tangy sweet chilli glaze, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or serving to guests. It’s easy to make, versatile with sides, and sure to become a favourite. Enjoy every bite!
Crispy Chilli Chicken
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This crispy chilli chicken is a popular Indo-Chinese dish featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce with peppers, onions, and garlic. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect as a main or appetizer.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 egg
- 4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 2 tbsp plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Oil for deep frying
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 green pepper, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1-inch ginger, finely chopped
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
- 1 tbsp chilli sauce (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with egg, cornflour, plain flour, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- In a wok or large pan, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil and sauté chopped garlic and ginger for a few seconds.
- Add sliced onions and green pepper, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, sweet chilli sauce, chilli sauce, vinegar, sugar, and water. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Cook for another minute or two until everything is well combined.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chilli sauce to control the spice level.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier results.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg