Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances the addictive crunch of fried chicken with a vibrant, spicy-sweet glaze, look no further than this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe. It’s a dazzling combination of textures and flavors that excites your taste buds from the very first bite. The golden, double-fried chicken strips are enveloped in a luscious sauce made from honey, soy, sriracha, and zesty lemon juice, making this recipe a crowd-pleaser whether for a quick dinner or a fun weekend treat with friends. You’re going to love how simple ingredients come together to create a showstopper of a meal that feels special every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to whip up this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is a breeze because it relies on straightforward, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role in crafting the perfect bite. From ensuring the chicken is tender and flavorful to building that irresistible glaze, each component has a purpose that keeps the dish balanced and exciting.

• Chicken Breast (300g): Thin strips are best as they cook quickly and absorb flavors deeply.
• Egg White (1): Acts as a light binder to help the cornflour stick for that essential crispiness.
• Cornflour (100g): The secret to a crunchy exterior; add a little more if needed for full coverage.
• Vegetable Oil: Perfect for deep frying to get that golden color and crispy texture.
• Spring Onions (2, chopped): Adds fresh color and a mild sharpness for garnish.
• Dark Soy Sauce (5 tbsp total): Provides a rich umami depth and beautiful color.
• Garlic and Ginger Paste (2 tbsp total): Infuses the dish with fragrant warmth and complexity.
• Sesame Oil (1 tsp): Brings a smoky, nutty essence to round out the flavors.
• Sugar (1 tsp): Balances the savory and spicy elements beautifully.
• White Pepper (1 tsp): Adds subtle heat and aromatic spice without overpowering.
• Honey (4 tbsp): Sweetens the sauce naturally and gives it a glossy finish.
• Sriracha (1 tbsp): Gives that signature spice kick and vibrant red hue.
• Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Adds a fresh tang to brighten the sauce.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breast into thin strips. This ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to soak up the marinade and sauce better, giving you more flavor with every bite.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips with 2 tablespoons of dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of garlic and ginger paste, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of white pepper. Mix everything well so the chicken is evenly coated. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This marinade tenderizes the chicken and builds a deep flavor base.

Step 3: Mix the Stir Fry Sauce

While the chicken marinates, prepare the sauce by mixing 3 tablespoons of dark soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of sriracha, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a small bowl. This vibrant sauce will bring a tangy, sweet, and spicy punch to your crunchy chicken.

Step 4: Batter the Chicken

Add one egg white to your marinated chicken and combine thoroughly. Then sprinkle in 100 grams of cornflour and mix again until each strip is evenly coated. If any strips seem lightly covered, toss in a little more cornflour — this step is vital for achieving that perfect crispy crust.

Step 5: First Fry

Heat your vegetable oil to about 180°C (356°F). Fry the chicken strips in batches for one to two minutes until they turn lightly golden and are just cooked through. This initial fry cooks the chicken gently and sets the batter without overbrowning. Drain them on paper towels for a moment.

Step 6: Double-Fry for Crispiness

Return the chicken to the hot oil for a second fry, around two to three minutes this time. This double-fry is the magic trick that transforms the chicken from good to irresistibly crispy and golden brown. Once done, drain the chicken well to keep it crunchy.

Step 7: Prepare the Sauce Base

In a clean pan, heat one tablespoon of oil, then add one tablespoon of garlic and ginger paste. Sauté the mixture quickly, just 5 to 10 seconds, until it’s fragrant but not burned. This aroma will form the spicy, flavorful foundation of your sauce.

Step 8: Toss in Sauce

Add the premixed stir fry sauce to your pan and stir continuously for about 30 seconds. You’ll want the sauce to bubble and thicken slightly, intensifying the flavors and developing a sticky consistency that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Step 9: Combine and Serve

Finally, toss the crispy chicken strips into the thickened sauce and mix until every piece is glistening with the spicy-sweet coating. Remove the pan from heat, sprinkle with chopped spring onions to add freshness and contrast, then serve your masterpiece immediately, while it’s gloriously hot and crispy.

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh spring onions chopped finely enhance both the visual appeal and add a subtle crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped coriander can also bring a lovely aroma and texture contrast that lifts the dish even further.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fragrant fried rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad that offers a cool contrast to the spicy chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups for a hand-held, fresh bite. Alternatively, pile it over a bed of noodles or even use it as a tantalizing filling for wraps or tacos, mixing crispy texture with freshness for a fusion dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the sauce separate helps preserve that beloved crispiness of the chicken when reheating.

Freezing

This Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe also freezes well. Place the cooked, cooled chicken strips in a single layer on a baking tray to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze the sauce separately in a sealed container. This way, you can enjoy your favorite dish on-demand later.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the frozen chicken in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 10 minutes to bring back its crispiness. Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop and then toss the chicken strips in the sauce just before serving to keep every bite deliciously crispy yet saucy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat, which means juicier results and extra flavor, but make sure you slice them thinly for even cooking and batter adherence.

Is there an alternative to cornflour for the batter?

Potato starch or rice flour can be good substitutes. They also provide a great crispy coating, but cornflour is preferred for its light, delicate crunch that pairs best with this recipe.

How spicy is the Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe?

The heat mainly comes from sriracha and white pepper. You can adjust the amount of sriracha based on your preferred spice level or swap it with a milder chili sauce if you want less heat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that the cornflour or substitute you use is certified gluten-free. This way, the recipe is safe and delicious for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Why do we double-fry the chicken?

Double frying locks in the crispiness by cooking the chicken through gently at first and then creating a golden, crunchy crust on the second fry. It’s that extra step that makes the chicken irresistibly crispy.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It’s fun to make, packed with flavor, and delivers that perfect crunch that everyone loves. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this sensational dish. So grab those simple ingredients and get frying — your taste buds will thank you!

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