Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that delicious, golden crunch of your favorite Chinese takeaway classic, this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe will absolutely hit the spot! Picture tender strips of chicken breast enveloped in a light, shattering crisp coating and tossed in a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce — it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s so quick and easy to make at home. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your weeknight rotation, and trust me, it tastes even better than your local restaurant!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is there for a reason — to give you layers of flavor, the crispiest texture, and that unmistakable restaurant-style finish. You’ll find these ingredients easy to find, but don’t skip any! They’re the secret to why this dish is so irresistibly crave-worthy.

• Chicken Breast: Choose fresh, skinless chicken breast for tender, juicy shredded chicken that soaks up all those savory flavors.
• Cornflour: This is your ticket to ultra-crispy coating — much better than regular flour for that classic texture.
• Garlic and Ginger Paste: Don’t hold back on this; it’s essential for that deep, aromatic base, both in the marinade and the sauce.
• Egg White: Creates a light, lacy crust and helps the cornflour stick brilliantly to every morsel of chicken.
• Spring Onions: These bring freshness and a pop of color to finish everything off beautifully.
• Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the best (and safest) frying results.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Adds depth and a gorgeous rich color to both the marinade and the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Just a touch imparts a toasty, nutty note — don’t overdo it because it’s strong!
• Sugar: Balances out the heat and accentuates the sticky sweetness of the sauce.
• White Pepper: Offers subtle warmth and a hint of citrusy heat you can’t get from black pepper.
• Honey: The secret to that addictively glossy, sweet-tangy glaze — and it helps everything cling!
• Sriracha: Delivers that lingering, moreish heat; add more or less to customize your burn.
• Lemon Juice: The bright acidity here keeps things from getting too heavy; don’t skip or swap it out.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Slice and Marinate the Chicken

Begin by cutting your chicken breast into thin, even strips. Toss these straight into a mixing bowl and douse them with dark soy sauce, a spoonful of garlic and ginger paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Let your chicken bask in this marinade for at least ten minutes — this short rest time makes a world of difference in flavor, seasoning the chicken all the way through and ensuring every bite sings with authentic taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce

While the chicken is soaking up all those delicious flavors, mix together your stir fry sauce in a small bowl: combine honey, lemon juice, dark soy sauce, and sriracha. Set it aside so it’s ready to pour when you need it; you want the sauce to be all about convenience and maximum impact when it hits the hot pan later on.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken for Extra Crunch

Once the chicken has marinated, mix in an egg white to create that iconic light, crispy effect. Next, toss in plenty of cornflour. Stir until every piece is thickly coated; don’t be afraid to use your hands and separate any clumping. Each individual strip should look powdery and ready for its transformation into the crispiest chicken ever.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken (Twice for Maximum Crisp!)

Heat up your oil to about 180°C in either a wok or frying pan — if you drop a little cornflour in, it should bubble right away. Fry your coated chicken pieces for just one to two minutes, working in batches to prevent sticking. Once everything’s had its first fry, return all the chicken to the oil and fry for another two to three minutes. This second fry is the magic trick for extra crunch and authenticity.

Step 5: Make the Flavour-Packed Sauce

In a clean pan, add a splash of oil and gently fry a little garlic and ginger paste for just five to ten seconds. Pour in your pre-mixed stir fry sauce and stir constantly; the mixture will bubble and thicken quickly, transforming into a glossy, fragrant, sticky base that’s simply incredible.

Step 6: Toss Together for the Perfect Finish

Add your double-fried chicken directly into the hot pan with the sauce and toss until every strip is fully coated. Sprinkle over sliced spring onions for color, crunch, and fresh flavor, then serve right away so you can enjoy every irresistible mouthful at its crispiest.

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of the finishing touches! A fresh handful of thinly sliced spring onions is absolutely perfect, lending a little zing and bite. For some extra flair, scatter on a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or even a handful of fresh cilantro leaves. If you love heat, a little finely chopped fresh red chili will really make this dish pop both visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

The Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a mound of fluffy jasmine rice or classic egg fried rice — both soak up that extra sauce perfectly. For something lighter, serve it alongside a crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. If you’re after a true Chinese takeaway vibe, don’t forget stir-fried veggies or even some homemade prawn crackers to round things out!

Creative Ways to Present

You can let your imagination run wild with how you present this dish! For a dinner party, try serving portions of chicken on lettuce leaves for a fun, interactive appetizer. Pile the chicken high onto a sharing platter with little dipping bowls of extra sauce and chopped peppers. Or serve straight from the wok, family style, and let everyone dig in at the table. The glistening golden chicken, glossy sauce, and pops of green make this a real showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (it doesn’t happen often, but it can!), transfer the chicken to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two days. The coating will soften a bit in the fridge, but the flavor only deepens as the garlic, ginger, and sauces settle in together overnight.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze the cooked Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe! Spread cooled chicken pieces on a lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to grab a quick portion for a weekday treat. Use within a month for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

The key to reviving your stored or frozen chicken is the oven or air fryer. Spread the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat at 180°C until warmed through and crispy once more, about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunch — the result just won’t be the same! If you need a sauce boost, whip up an extra batch of stir fry sauce to drizzle over the top.

FAQs

Can I make this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe with other meats?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with strips of pork or even extra firm tofu if you’re after a vegetarian twist. Just adjust the cooking times as needed.

Why is my chicken coating not getting crispy?

For maximum crisp, be sure to use enough cornflour, don’t overcrowd the pan, and always do the double fry. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough — a consistent 180°C is ideal.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten free?

Definitely! Simply swap regular dark soy sauce for a gluten-free version and double check your other condiments. Cornflour is naturally gluten free, making this recipe easy to adapt.

How spicy is the sauce in the Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe?

The sriracha gives a medium kick, but feel free to adjust the amount to taste, or leave it out entirely for a milder result. You can always add extra chili flakes or fresh chili for those who love serious heat.

Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken for up to a day in advance, and even mix the sauce ahead. Just coat and fry the chicken right before serving so it stays shatteringly crisp.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe enough — once you try it, you’ll see just how easy and rewarding homemade Chinese takeaway classics can be. Dive in, play around with flavors, and make it your own. Give this a go the next time you crave something special and let it become a new favorite in your kitchen!

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