Crispy Chilli Chicken is a delicious and mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a crunchy coating and a flavorful, spicy sauce. This popular dish is frequently found in Chinese restaurants and is loved by many for its contrasting textures and bold flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a party, or simply a cozy night in, this recipe will surely impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

Why Make This Recipe

This Crispy Chilli Chicken recipe is not just about satisfying your cravings; it also offers a delightful culinary experience. Here are a few reasons to try this recipe:

Quick and Easy: The process is simple, and you can whip it up in less than an hour.
Flavorful: The combination of garlic, ginger, honey, and sriracha gives the dish a unique flavor that’s both sweet and spicy.
Customizable: Adjust the heat levels by tweaking the amount of sriracha, or add your favorite vegetables to the mix.
Great for Meal Prep: It stores well and can be easily reheated, making it perfect for meal prep enthusiasts.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual dinner night, this dish is sure to be a hit.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken

Cooking Crispy Chilli Chicken involves several straightforward steps, including marinating the chicken, frying it until golden, and mixing it with a delicious sauce. With the right ingredients at hand, you can create this delightful dish in no time.

Ingredients:

300 grams of chicken breast
100 grams of cornflour, with an option to add more as needed (refer to notes)
1 teaspoon of garlic and ginger paste
1 egg white
2 spring onions
Vegetable oil for frying
2 tablespoons of dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon of garlic and ginger paste
1 teaspoon of sesame oil
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of white pepper
3 tablespoons of dark soy sauce
4 tablespoons of honey
1 tablespoon of sriracha
2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Directions:

Prepare the Marinade: Slice 300g of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This will help the chicken cook quickly and allow for even flavor distribution.
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon of garlic and ginger paste, and 2 tablespoons of dark soy sauce. Add the sliced chicken into the marinade and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Coat the Chicken: After marinating, coat the chicken pieces in cornflour. This will create that desirable crispy texture when fried.
Prevent Clumping: Use a sieve to sprinkle the cornflour over the chicken. This will ensure that the chicken is evenly coated and prevents any clumps from forming.
Heat the Oil: In a pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure there is enough oil to fry the chicken pieces properly.
Test the Oil: Check if the oil is ready for frying by testing with a wooden chopstick. If bubbles form around the chopstick, the oil is ready.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry them until they turn golden brown, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes.
Optional Double Fry: For extra crispiness, you can double fry the chicken. Just take the chicken out, let it rest for a minute, and then fry it again for a couple of minutes.
Prepare the Sauce: In a separate pan, mix 1 teaspoon of sugar, 4 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of sriracha, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. This sauce will bring sweetness and a bit of heat to your dish.
Heat the Sauce: Warm the mixture over low heat until it thickens into a rich, glossy sauce.
Toss and Serve: Once the chicken is crispy, toss the pieces in the sauce until thoroughly coated.
Garnish: Finally, garnish with chopped spring onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve immediately while it’s hot and crispy!

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Chicken

Crispy Chilli Chicken is best enjoyed fresh out of the pan while it’s still crunchy. You can serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. For a more colorful presentation, accompany it with vibrant stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli. Pair it with a chilled drink, such as lemonade or iced tea, to balance the flavors.

How to Store Crispy Chilli Chicken

If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to believe you will!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to consume it within 2 to 3 days for the best flavor and texture. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven on a baking tray for about 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F) to help retain the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the chicken soggy.

Tips to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken

Use Fresh Chicken: For best results, always use fresh chicken breast. Freezing may change the texture slightly.
Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature to avoid burning the chicken. Adjusting the heat as needed is crucial.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and maintain the oil temperature.
Add Vegetables: Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or green beans to the sauce for added texture and nutrition.
Adjust Spice Levels: Depending on your preference, adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce for a milder or spicier version.

Variations

Although this recipe is delightful as it is, there are different ways to put a twist on it:

Chilli Chicken with Vegetables: Toss in some assorted vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a more nutritious meal.
Dry Chilli Chicken: Prepare a drier version by not adding sauce, allowing the spicy, crispy chicken to shine on its own.
Saucy Chilli Chicken: For those who prefer a saucier dish, you can double the amounts of honey and sriracha in the sauce for a sweeter and spicier kick.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes! Chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through compared to chicken breasts.

2. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and you’re good to go.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. However, it is best fried fresh for optimal crispiness.

4. What can I serve with Crispy Chilli Chicken?

This dish can be served with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. Pairing it with a fresh salad can also be a delightful addition to balance the flavors.

By following these detailed instructions, you can recreate the wonderful flavors of Crispy Chilli Chicken right in your kitchen. Enjoy the making, serving, and most importantly, the eating!