If you have been searching for the ultimate Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe that combines fiery flavors with irresistible crunch, look no further. This dish perfectly balances tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a light, crispy batter with a vibrant, tangy sauce that bursts with garlic, ginger, and chili goodness. It is one of those recipes that never fails to excite your taste buds and impress your friends at any gathering. Whether you’re craving a spicy stir-fry for a weeknight dinner or craving something exciting to elevate your meal routine, this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is a delicious crowd-pleaser you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet they each play a crucial role. From the crunchy coating to the punchy sauce, every component enhances the texture, flavor, and color, making the final dish truly unforgettable.
- Chicken (1 pound boneless skinless thighs or breasts): Tender and juicy, these bite-sized pieces are the heart of the dish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Season perfectly to enhance natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and depth.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the chicken with aromatic savoriness.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Essential for that ultra-crispy batter that locks in moisture.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Works with cornstarch for a light, crispy crust.
- Egg (1 large): Helps bind the batter to the chicken.
- Water (2 tablespoons plus 1 tablespoon for slurry): Creates the perfect batter consistency and thickens the sauce.
- Vegetable oil: Needed for frying to golden perfection and for sautéing the sauce aromatics.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Sharp and fragrant, driving the bold flavor profile.
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Adds freshness and a zesty bite.
- Green onions (2–3, sliced): Both cooked and garnished for mild onion notes and vibrant color.
- Dried red chilies (2–3) or red chili flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Bring the signature heat and smoky undertones.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides salty, umami richness.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances with a pleasant tang.
- Chili garlic sauce (1 tablespoon): Punches up spice and garlicky flavor.
- Ketchup (1 tablespoon): Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with mild sweetness.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water): Thickens the sauce into a glossy coating you will love.
How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, which lays the groundwork for the layers of flavor to come. This step is crucial because it ensures the meat itself has taste before it even hits the batter and sauce.
Step 2: Make the Batter and Coat the Chicken
In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, egg, and water until you have a thick and smooth batter. Toss the seasoned chicken pieces in this mixture until they are thoroughly coated. This batter is what gives the chicken that iconic crispiness once fried, sealing in juiciness beneath the crunchy exterior.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Crispy Perfection
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally until every piece is golden brown and crispy all around. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This frying step is what transforms your chicken into the crunchy delight you are craving.
Step 4: Cook the Flavorful Sauce
Using a clean pan, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic, finely chopped ginger, sliced green onions, and dried red chilies for 1 to 2 minutes until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, ketchup, sugar, and water, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Finish by adding the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Add the fried chicken pieces into the pan with the sauce and give everything a good toss to coat every piece evenly with the spicy, tangy sauce. This final step marries textures and flavors beautifully, giving you that perfect bite every time.
How to Serve Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe even more, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top. These garnishes add a subtle crunch and a pop of bright color that makes the dish visually enticing and adds fresh, nutty notes to each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with simple steamed jasmine rice or fragrant basmati rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, crisp lettuce wraps give a fresh contrast, while stir-fried noodles or sautéed vegetables complement the spicy, savory flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Serve the Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe in individual lettuce cups with a drizzle of the sauce, garnished with sliced scallions and a wedge of lime for brightness. Alternatively, arrange it over a bed of crunchy Asian slaw or alongside a vibrant rainbow of steamed veggies for a colorful, stunning plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to deepen, though the chicken may lose some crispness—fear not, reheating techniques can help remedy that.
Freezing
If you want to keep the deliciousness longer, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. This method helps preserve the texture and flavor so you can quickly enjoy it on busy days.
Reheating
To revive that irresistible crispiness, reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. Gently warm the sauce on the stovetop before combining both again to restore the dish’s fresh-from-the-kitchen magic.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well in this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during frying, but breasts provide a leaner option with equally tasty results.
How spicy is this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe?
This recipe delivers a moderate level of heat that you can adjust easily. Use fewer dried chilies or chili garlic sauce for milder spice and add more if you love a fiery kick. It’s designed to be flexible to your taste preferences.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses soy sauce and flour which contain gluten, but you can make a gluten-free version by substituting tamari for soy sauce and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The result is just as delicious!
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
While frying gives the crispiest texture, you can bake the chicken pieces coated in batter at a high temperature to get a similar crunch with less oil. Just be sure to flip halfway through baking to brown evenly.
What can I serve instead of rice?
Besides rice, try serving this Crispy Chilli Chicken with noodles, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fresh, hand-held delight. All are excellent ways to enjoy the bold flavors.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe that nails both texture and flavor with such vibrant personality. This dish is easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough to make for guests or celebrations. I encourage you to try it out in your own kitchen—the crispy chicken coated in that fiery, tangy sauce will quickly become one of your new favorites to share and savor.
Print
Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Crispy Chilli Chicken recipe is a delicious Indo-Chinese dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a tangy, spicy chili garlic sauce. Perfect as a main course, it combines bold flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy your cravings for something spicy and flavorful.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons water
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, finely chopped
- 2–3 green onions, sliced
- 2–3 dried red chilies (or 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions
- Season and Batter the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, egg, and water to form a thick batter. Add the chicken pieces to this batter and toss until evenly coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the battered chicken pieces in batches for 4–5 minutes each, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a clean pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped ginger, sliced green onions, and dried red chilies. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, ketchup, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Chicken with Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece well with the flavorful sauce. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more chili garlic sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Serve this dish over steamed rice, noodles, or use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
