Crispy Chilli Chicken

Bold, crispy, and irresistibly saucy, this Crispy Chilli Chicken is a restaurant-style favorite you can whip up right at home. Juicy pieces of chicken are lightly battered, fried until golden and crunchy, then tossed in a fiery garlic-chili sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and full of flavor. Perfect for dinner, parties, or whenever you’re craving something spicy and satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Perfection – Lightly battered chicken stays crunchy even in sauce.
Spicy & Sweet – A bold sauce made with garlic, chili, soy, and vinegar.
Takeout Taste at Home – No need to order in when this tastes even better.
Quick to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes.
Customizable – Adjust the spice level and add your favorite veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2–3 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for slurry)

For Garnish & Serving:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Wok or large frying pan
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Whisk
• Paper towels for draining

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

1. In a bowl, whisk together egg, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper into a thick batter.
2. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat well.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken
3. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
4. Once hot (about 350°F), fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, 4–5 minutes per batch.
5. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Chilli Sauce
6. In a clean wok or skillet, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
7. Add garlic, ginger, and red chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, chili garlic sauce, honey, and water.
9. Bring to a simmer, then add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened and glossy.

Step 4: Toss & Finish
10. Add crispy chicken to the pan and toss quickly to coat evenly in the sauce.
11. Cook for another 1–2 minutes just to heat through.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
12. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
13. Serve hot with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.

Tips for the Best Crispy Chilli Chicken
Use Cornstarch – Helps create an ultra-crispy crust that holds up to the sauce.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
Customize the Heat – Use fewer chilies or mild chili sauce for a gentler version.
Add Veggies – Bell peppers or onions can be stir-fried with the sauce for more texture.
Serve Immediately – For maximum crunch and freshness.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Jasmine Rice – A classic pairing.
Garlic Fried Rice – Adds extra flavor and texture.
Vegetable Noodles – A hearty, saucy match.
Cucumber Salad – Refreshing contrast to the heat.
Spring Rolls – Great for a full takeout-style meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Oven or Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 8–10 minutes for best crispiness.
• Skillet: Reheat in a pan with a splash of water or sauce.
• Microwave: Quick, but the chicken will lose crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
   Yes—coat chicken, place on a greased baking sheet, and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. Is this very spicy?
   It’s moderately spicy. Adjust chilies and chili sauce to your liking.
3. Can I use store-bought crispy chicken?
   Yes! Toss precooked crispy chicken with the homemade sauce for a shortcut version.
4. What’s a good vegetarian alternative?
   Use crispy tofu, cauliflower, or tempeh in place of the chicken.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
   It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze and reheat in the oven for crispier texture.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Chilli Chicken brings bold, takeout-style flavor right to your kitchen with crispy bites of chicken smothered in a spicy, sticky glaze. It’s quick to make, fun to serve, and totally customizable. Whether you’re cooking for the family or spicing up your dinner routine, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your fiery creations.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Sodium: 700mg

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