Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe for Spicy Food Lovers

Juicy, tender chicken finds its perfect match in this crispy chilli chicken that promises an explosion of flavors.

Spicy notes dance across your palate with each delectable bite.

Marination is the secret weapon, infusing each morsel with deep, complex seasonings.

Crunchy exterior meets succulent interior, creating a texture that captivates from the first moment.

Authentic Chinese-inspired techniques blend seamlessly with home kitchen simplicity.

Restaurant-quality results await you without complicated cooking methods.

The magic happens with just a few strategic ingredients and smart techniques.

One taste will transport you to the vibrant streets of culinary adventure.

Crispy Chilli Chicken with a Kick

• Transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-quality dish in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving delicious meals without complicated steps.
• Adjust chili pepper quantities to match personal spice tolerance, making this recipe friendly for mild and bold flavor lovers alike.
• Achieve golden, crunchy chicken exterior through strategic flour coating and precise frying technique that guarantees satisfying bite every single time.
• Switches effortlessly between main course with rice, party appetizer, or quick lunch option, providing maximum flexibility for different dining scenarios.

Ingredients for Spicy and Chilli Chicken

• Chicken: Tender protein base for the dish, boneless and skinless chicken pieces work best.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Creates crispy golden exterior for chicken, all-purpose flour recommended.
• Egg: Helps coating stick to chicken, fresh eggs provide better binding.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice mix for enhancing chicken's flavor.

• Sesame Oil: Provides authentic Asian cooking aroma, high-quality oil preferred.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, low-sodium option works well.
• Honey: Balances spiciness with sweetness, natural honey recommended.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings tangy brightness to sauce, clear variety works best.

• Garlic, Ginger: Fresh ingredients adding depth and traditional Asian flavor profile.
• Green Chilies: Provides heat and spiciness, adjust quantity based on heat preference.

• Ketchup: Optional ingredient for slight sweetness and color.
• Cornstarch: Creates sauce thickening effect, use small amount for slurry.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh topping for texture and visual appeal.

Instructions to Fry Chilli Chicken Just Right

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk eggs in a separate bowl. Dunk chicken pieces into beaten eggs, then generously coat with the seasoned flour mixture. Ensure each piece is completely covered for maximum crispiness.

Step 2: Fry Chicken To Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet until shimmering. Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature. Cook until chicken turns gorgeous golden brown and becomes wonderfully crisp. Remove and let excess oil drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Craft Tantalizing Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Sliced red chilies

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Tomato ketchup

Whisk cornstarch with water to create a quick thickening slurry. Add to sauce and stir until it transforms into a glossy, rich coating.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Gently tumble crispy chicken pieces into the simmering sauce. Toss and coat each piece thoroughly. Allow chicken to absorb sauce flavors for a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Serve With Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. Present alongside steamed jasmine rice or crisp vegetable stir-fry. Enjoy immediately while chicken remains wonderfully crunchy.

Tips for Crunch and Heat in Every Bite

• Master the Crunch: Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breading.
• Optimize Oil Temperature: Maintain oil at 350-375°F for perfectly golden, crispy chicken without absorbing excess oil.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Adjust cornstarch slurry thickness by adding water or cornstarch gradually to achieve desired sauce texture.
• Spice Level Control: Customize heat by removing seeds from chilies or adjusting quantity for milder or more intense flavor profiles.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare chicken ahead and crisp up in oven at 400°F for 10 minutes before tossing in sauce to maintain texture when reheating.

How to Store Chilli Chicken and Keep It Crunchy

• Store leftover crispy chilli chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Restore crispiness by preheating oven to 375°F. Spread chicken pieces on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Revive chicken's texture by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating and maintain crispiness.
• Place paper towels underneath chicken while reheating to absorb excess moisture and help preserve the original crispy coating.

Great Pairings That Match Chilli Chicken’s Bold Flavor

• Pair Crispy Chilli Chicken with an ice-cold Tsingtao beer to balance the spicy kick and complement the crispy texture. The light, refreshing beer cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.
• Serve with fragrant jasmine rice to absorb the tangy, sweet-spicy sauce and provide a neutral base that enhances the chicken's bold flavors.
• Add a cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the hot and crunchy chicken, creating a balanced eating experience.
• Choose a slightly sweet German Riesling that can handle the spice while its fruity notes soften the chili's heat, creating a delightful flavor interaction.

Flavor Twists for Your Chilli Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chilli Chicken: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure complete gluten-free preparation.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets. Press tofu thoroughly and coat with same seasoning mixture before frying for similar crispy texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Eliminate flour coating and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for coating. Reduce honey and replace with sugar-free sweetener to maintain sauce consistency.
• Baked Healthier Option: Instead of deep-frying, arrange chicken pieces on parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray with olive oil and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness.

Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy and crispy chilli chicken delivers an explosion of bold Chinese-inspired flavors that dance across palates with exciting zest. Crunchy golden-brown bites promise a perfect balance of heat and texture, inviting hungry diners to savor each delectable morsel.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Coating Ingredients:

• ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
• 1 large egg, beaten

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce Base:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil or vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2–3 red chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)

Liquid Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for color and tang)

Thickening Agent:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Oil:

• Oil, for frying

Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavorful seasoning blend by mixing flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a wide mixing vessel.
2. Individually coat each chicken piece by first dipping into beaten egg, then thoroughly rolling through the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Prepare a deep skillet or wok with hot oil at medium-high temperature, creating an ideal frying environment for achieving golden, crisp exteriors.
4. Carefully fry chicken segments in controlled batches, allowing each piece to transform into a crunchy delight, approximately 4-5 minutes per group.
5. Transfer fried chicken pieces onto paper towels, permitting excess oil to drain while maintaining their delectable crispness.
6. Warm sesame oil in a large skillet, creating a fragrant base for the upcoming sauce creation.
7. Introduce minced garlic, grated ginger, and thinly sliced chilies into the heated oil, releasing their aromatic essences through gentle sautéing.
8. Incorporate soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and optional ketchup, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
9. Introduce a cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring consistently to develop a luxurious, glossy texture.
10. Gently fold the crispy chicken pieces into the glistening sauce, ensuring each morsel becomes thoroughly coated with the vibrant flavor profile.
11. Allow the chicken to meld with the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes, intensifying the overall taste experience.
12. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal by scattering freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds across the surface.
13. Present the crispy chilli chicken alongside steamed rice, noodles, or as a standalone appetizer, ready to delight eager palates.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly cut for even cooking and crispy texture.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350-375°F for perfectly crisp coating without burning.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to prevent soggy chicken and ensure each piece gets golden-brown crunch.
• For gluten-free version, substitute wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend to maintain crispy exterior.
• Reduce chili quantity or use mild peppers for less heat, making dish kid-friendly and adaptable to different spice tolerances.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help flour mixture adhere better and create extra crispy exterior.
• Allow chicken to rest on paper towels briefly to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
• Customize sauce sweetness by adjusting honey levels or replacing with alternative sweeteners like maple syrup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg