Crispy Chilli Chicken

The beauty of Crispy Chilli Chicken lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The chicken pieces are coated in a light, crunchy batter that creates a satisfying crunch with each bite, while the spicy, tangy sauce clings to them in just the right way. The heat from the chillies adds a slow burn that lingers, but it’s beautifully tempered by a touch of sweetness, making each mouthful feel like a party of flavors. As you take a bite, you’ll notice the garlic and ginger in the sauce, working their magic to layer in aromatic depth. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to savor every bite, balancing the heat and sweetness in a way that makes you want to go back for more.

One of my favorite things about this dish is how it pairs effortlessly with a chilled drink—whether it’s a cool soda or a chilled glass of beer, the crispiness of the chicken and the bold flavors of the sauce always complement each other. And let’s not forget about the garnish: a sprinkle of spring onions or fresh cilantro on top brings an extra pop of color and freshness, making it feel like a celebration on the plate. The contrast between the crunchy chicken and the silky sauce is a texture lover’s dream, and every bite feels like an indulgence. Crispy Chilli Chicken is one of those dishes that’s not just food; it’s an experience, one you’ll crave over and over again.

Key Ingredients in Crispy Chilli Chicken

The magic of Crispy Chilli Chicken comes from the harmonious blend of its key ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s enhancing the flavor, contributing to the texture, or adding a burst of color. Here’s a look at the essential components that make this dish unforgettable:

• Chicken
  The star of the show, chicken pieces are the perfect base for absorbing the sauce and achieving that crispy coating. Tender yet crispy, the chicken takes on the bold flavors of the sauce while maintaining its juicy interior.
• Cornstarch
  This humble ingredient is responsible for giving the chicken its light, crispy exterior. When mixed with flour, cornstarch creates a batter that fries up beautifully, providing that satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Flour
  Flour combines with cornstarch to create the batter that coats the chicken. It helps to bind everything together, giving the chicken a smooth yet crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat inside.
• Garlic
  Aromatic and bold, garlic brings a fragrant, savory note to the dish. It infuses the sauce with a deep, umami flavor that balances the heat from the chillies.
• Ginger
  Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick, cutting through the richness of the dish with its warm, spicy notes. It pairs wonderfully with garlic to create that signature depth of flavor.
• Dried Red Chilies
  These provide the dish with its signature heat. They are fried in oil to release their spicy oils, infusing the dish with a smoky, fiery kick that lingers on the tongue.
• Soy Sauce
  Soy sauce is a must for adding a savory, umami depth to the sauce. It enriches the overall flavor profile and gives the dish that irresistible, slightly salty richness.
• Vinegar
  The tang of vinegar balances the sweetness and heat, brightening up the sauce and cutting through the richness of the chicken. It’s the secret ingredient that elevates the dish with just the right amount of acidity.
• Sugar
  A touch of sugar adds sweetness, harmonizing with the heat from the chillies. This subtle sweetness is what makes the sauce so addictive, helping to balance the spiciness and adding complexity to the flavor.
• Spring Onions
  These bring a fresh, mild onion flavor that contrasts perfectly with the bold, spicy sauce. They’re also the finishing touch, adding a bit of crunch and a burst of green that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
• Cilantro
  Fresh cilantro is the final flourish. It adds a burst of freshness and herbal flavor that cools the heat and enhances the overall taste, making each bite feel light and vibrant.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Chilli Chicken

• With Steamed Rice
  Crispy Chilli Chicken shines even brighter when paired with a bed of soft, fluffy steamed rice. The rice soaks up all the spicy, tangy sauce, creating the perfect balance to the crispy, crunchy chicken. It’s comfort food at its finest, with the simplicity of rice helping the bold flavors of the dish really take center stage. If you’re in the mood for something extra, a side of garlic or fried rice adds a fun twist.
• As a Starter for a Dinner Party
  Impress your guests by serving Crispy Chilli Chicken as an appetizer at your next gathering. The bite-sized pieces are perfect for snacking, and the bold flavors will set the tone for the rest of your meal. Pair it with a refreshing drink, like a cold ginger ale or chilled white wine, to balance the heat and enhance the flavors.
• On a Fresh Salad
  For a lighter twist, toss the crispy chicken over a fresh salad. The cool crunch of veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, and shredded lettuce contrasts wonderfully with the spicy chicken. A drizzle of a tangy vinaigrette or even a sweet chili dressing ties it all together, creating a fusion of textures and flavors that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

How to Store Crispy Chilli Chicken

If you’ve got leftovers (or you just want to plan ahead), storing Crispy Chilli Chicken properly will help keep it as fresh and flavorful as possible. First things first, it’s important to note that while the chicken may lose its crispiness over time, you can still preserve the overall deliciousness with a few easy tricks.

To store, place the leftover chicken in an airtight container once it’s completely cooled. For the best results, store the crispy chicken and the sauce separately. This helps keep the chicken from becoming soggy while still allowing you to enjoy the full flavor of the dish when you reheat it. If you’re storing both components together, make sure the chicken pieces are coated just before serving to preserve that crunch.

When it comes to reheating, you can bring back some of that crispiness by reheating the chicken in a hot oven or even a toaster oven. Simply lay the chicken on a baking sheet and heat it at around 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until crispy and heated through. Alternatively, a quick stir-fry in a hot pan will do the trick to reintroduce the crunch while warming up the sauce. Just be sure not to overdo it, as you don’t want to lose the sauce’s beautiful texture and flavor.

If you happen to have more than you can finish in one go, you can freeze the chicken. Just be sure to freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet first, before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat it, reheat the chicken as you would from the fridge, and it’ll still pack that same flavorful punch!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own Crispy Chilli Chicken recipe, bursting with flavor and texture! From the crunch of the golden chicken to the sweet and spicy sauce, every bite is an irresistible adventure. Whether you’re cooking up a weeknight dinner, hosting a gathering, or just treating yourself to something special, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little journey into the world of Crispy Chilli Chicken as much as I have. I’d love to hear how your dish turns out—did it have that perfect balance of heat and sweetness? How did it pair with your favorite drink? Let me know in the comments, or feel free to reach out if you need any help or have questions while making it. I’m always happy to chat about food, and I can’t wait to hear all about your kitchen adventures!

Print Recipe

Crispy Chilli Chicken

Author: Maria Bennet Courses: Appetizer

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins

Calories: 550

Description

Crispy Chilli Chicken is a burst of flavor with golden, crispy chicken pieces tossed in a fiery, tangy sauce. The perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and a hint of spice, it's the ultimate crispy, crave-worthy dish that will leave you wanting more!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• ¹⁄₂ cup cornstarch

• ¹⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon red chili powder

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon onion powder

• ¹⁄₄ cup water

• ¹⁄₄ cup vegetable oil, for frying

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce

• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

• ¹⁄₄ cup red bell pepper, sliced

• ¹⁄₄ cup green bell pepper, sliced

• 2 tablespoons dried red chilies

• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Add the chicken breast pieces to the bowl and toss them to coat evenly with the dry mixture.
4. Gradually add water to the bowl, stirring continuously until a thick batter forms around the chicken.
5. Once the batter is ready, carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil, a few pieces at a time, ensuring they do not stick together.
6. Fry the chicken in batches for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the oil and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. In a separate pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
9. Add the ginger and minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Add the sliced red bell pepper and green bell pepper to the pan, stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
11. Add the dried red chilies to the pan and stir-fry for an additional minute, allowing them to infuse the oil with heat.
12. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, hoisin sauce, ketchup, and chili garlic sauce, stirring to combine everything.
13. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
14. Once the sauce has thickened, add the crispy chicken pieces to the pan and toss them gently to coat in the sauce.
15. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
16. Remove the pan from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
17. Serve the crispy chili chicken hot with steamed rice or as an appetizer.

Note

• For an extra crispy texture, double fry the chicken pieces—fry once until golden, remove, then fry again for 2-3 minutes.
• Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce based on your spice tolerance.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful option.
• To make the dish less greasy, drain the fried chicken pieces on a wire rack rather than paper towels.
• For a sweeter flavor, add a bit more sugar or honey to balance the heat.

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