Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

If you have ever craved the perfect balance of crunchy texture with a spicy, tangy kick, this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. It takes humble chicken strips and transforms them with a double-frying technique, then coats them in a vibrant sauce bursting with honey sweetness, garlic depth, and a fiery sriracha punch. This recipe is approachable yet delivers restaurant-quality results that will make you want to serve it for every occasion from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe, it will become an absolute favorite that you revisit often.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering amazing flavor, texture, and color. From the tender chicken breast strips to the balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes in the sauces, every item is essential to build the final masterpiece on your plate.

• 300g Chicken Breast: Using thin strips ensures even cooking and maximizes crispiness during frying.
• 1 Egg White: Helps the cornflour adhere perfectly to the chicken for that coveted crunchy coating.
• 100g Cornflour: Critical for creating the crisp exterior; add a little more if needed to cover all pieces well.
• Vegetable Oil: Ideal for frying because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
• 2 Spring Onions: Added as garnish for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
• Dark Soy Sauce (5 tbsp total): Provides a rich, umami depth in both the marinade and the sauce.
• Garlic and Ginger Paste (2 tbsp total): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic notes essential to the classic flavor profile.
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil: A small amount goes a long way to impart that distinctive nutty aroma.
• 1 tsp Sugar: Balances the savory and spicy tones in the marinade.
• 1 tsp White Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the chicken.
• 4 tbsp Honey: Sweetens and helps create a glossy, sticky sauce coating.
• 1 tbsp Sriracha: Adds the key spicy kick that makes this recipe so exciting.
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice: Brightens the sauce with refreshing acidity, cutting through the richness.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cutting the chicken breast into thin strips. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly while allowing the sauce to cling to each piece beautifully.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken strips in a large bowl, then add 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 thoroughly so each strip is well coated. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes—this allows the flavors to infuse the chicken deeply, preparing it for that irresistible taste.

Step 3: Mix the Stir Fry Sauce

While the chicken marinates, prepare the sauce by combining 3 tablespoons of dark soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of sriracha, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir it well and set aside: this dynamic sauce is what brings the dish to life.

Step 4: Batter the Chicken

To create the crispy coating, mix 1 egg white into the marinated chicken, ensuring each piece gets a light coating. Next, add 100 grams of cornflour and toss again until every strip is evenly coated. If some pieces seem dry, sprinkle a little more cornflour to achieve that perfect, thick batter that fries up delightfully crisp.

Step 5: First Fry

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan to around 180°C (356°F). Add the coated chicken strips in batches—avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature. Fry each batch for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn lightly golden and are just cooked through. Remove them carefully and drain on paper towels, setting the stage for the crucial double-fry step.

Step 6: Double-Fry for Crispiness

Return the chicken strips to the hot oil and fry again for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop that signature golden-brown, extra-crispy crust we all crave. This two-step frying method is what sets this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe apart, giving it an irresistible crunch that holds up even under the thick sauce.

Step 7: Prepare the Sauce Base

In a clean pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and add 1 tablespoon of garlic and ginger paste. Sauté for about 5 to 10 seconds just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it as that can ruin the delicate flavors that complement the chicken so well.

Step 8: Toss in Sauce

Add the pre-mixed stir fry sauce to the pan, stirring for about 30 seconds to let it bubble and thicken slightly. This creates a luscious glaze that will beautifully coat the chicken pieces.

Step 9: Combine and Serve

Toss the crispy chicken into the thickened sauce, stirring to coat each piece evenly. Once fully combined, remove the pan from heat and sprinkle chopped spring onions on top to add freshness and color. Serve immediately for the best experience of texture and flavor that defines this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe.

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Chopped spring onions add a brilliant, fresh crunch and vibrant green color that lighten the dish’s rich, sticky sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty dimension.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up the tangy, spicy sauce perfectly. For a balanced meal, serve alongside stir-fried veggies like bell peppers and broccoli to complement the richness and add a welcome crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve the crispy chilli chicken over a bed of crispy lettuce leaves as wraps, or arrange the chicken strips on a platter with colorful vegetable sticks and a side of cooling yogurt dip. Presentation can transform this classic recipe into a festive crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover crispy chilli chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days—enough time for a quick, delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

This recipe doesn’t freeze well in its sauced form because the coating can become soggy after thawing. However, you can freeze the double-fried chicken strips separately in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven to maintain crispness.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover crispy chilli chicken is in the oven or air fryer at about 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes. This method restores a good amount of the crisp texture and warms the sauce evenly without making the chicken soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat, which makes them extra juicy and flavorful. Just make sure to cut them into uniform thin strips so they cook evenly and maintain that crispy texture when fried.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets. Press and dry tofu well before coating to ensure maximum crispiness, and adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

How spicy is this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe?

The spiciness mainly comes from the sriracha and white pepper, which adds a moderate, buildable heat. You can always adjust the sriracha quantity to make it milder or more fiery based on your preference.

Why double-fry the chicken?

Double frying is key to achieving the irresistibly crispy texture. The first fry cooks the chicken, and the second fry crisps and browns the outer layer, ensuring it stays crunchy even after tossing in the sauce.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the stir fry sauce can be mixed and stored in the fridge for a day or two. Just bring it back to gentle heat before tossing in the chicken for the best flavor and texture combination.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that excites the senses and becomes an instant favorite. It perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors with that unbeatable crunch, making every bite a delight. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, giving this recipe a try means promising yourself a comforting yet exciting meal that never disappoints.

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