Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe: Spicy Homemade Magic

Spice up your dinner routine with this mouthwatering crispy chilli chicken that delivers a punch of flavor in every bite.

The secret lies in creating the perfect crispy chilli chicken recipe that balances heat and crunch.

Golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a vibrant, zesty sauce promise an explosion of taste and texture.

Each morsel promises a delightful crispiness that snaps with every bite.

The combination of tender chicken and fiery sauce will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Restaurant-quality flavors come straight from your kitchen, transforming an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

The Key Ingredients for Crispy Chilli Chicken

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that creates the main protein of the dish and absorbs the delicious marinade and sauce.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Provide aromatic and zesty base notes that enhance the overall taste profile.
Coating and Frying Ingredients:
  • Cornstarch: Creates a crispy, light exterior that helps seal in the chicken's moisture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for achieving golden and crispy chicken texture.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Red Chili Peppers: Bring heat and vibrant color to the sauce.
  • Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness to balance the sauce's flavors.
  • Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness that complements the savory elements.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds a pop of color and brightness to the final dish.

How to Cook Crispy Chilli Chicken Like a Pro

Step 1: Blend Flavor Bombs

Grab your chicken and create a mouthwatering marinade by mixing soy sauce with minced garlic and grated ginger.

Let the chicken soak up these incredible flavors for about a quarter-hour, allowing every piece to become incredibly delicious.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating

Rescue each marinated chicken piece and roll it generously in cornstarch.

Make sure every inch gets a perfect powdery coverage that will transform into a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Pour vegetable oil into a pan and bring it to a sizzling hot temperature.

Carefully place the cornstarch-covered chicken pieces into the oil.

Watch them turn into a beautiful golden brown color while becoming irresistibly crispy.

Step 4: Develop Spicy Sauce Base

In another pan, awaken the senses by sautéing:
  • Minced garlic
  • Freshly grated ginger
  • Chopped red chili peppers

Let these ingredients dance and release their aromatic magic.

Step 5: Craft Tangy Sauce

Pour into the pan:
  • Soy sauce
  • Vinegar
  • Sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Let everything simmer and transform into a glossy, flavor-packed sauce.

Step 6: Combine Crispy Chicken with Sauce

Toss the crispy chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring each piece gets a generous coating of the spicy, tangy goodness.

Step 7: Serve with Freshness

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately while the chicken remains wonderfully crisp and hot.

Making Crispy Chilli Chicken Extra Flavorful

  • Let chicken sit in marinade for up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
  • Shake off excess cornstarch to prevent clumping and ensure an ultra-crispy exterior when frying.
  • Keep oil at 350-375°F for perfectly crisp chicken without absorbing excess oil or burning.
  • Adjust sugar and vinegar ratios to create a perfect sweet-tangy balance that complements the spicy chicken.
  • Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions just before serving to maintain their bright color and crisp texture.

Spicy Twists on Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipes

  • Tofu Crunch Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu, using the same marinade and cooking method for a vegetarian version.
  • Gluten-Free Crispy Option: Swap cornstarch with rice flour or almond flour to make the recipe gluten-free and equally crunchy.
  • Cauliflower Spicy Bite: Substitute chicken with cauliflower florets, following the original recipe steps for a low-carb alternative.
  • Air Fryer Lean Version: Cook the marinated protein in an air fryer instead of deep-frying to reduce oil content and create a healthier meal.

Plating Crispy Chilli Chicken for Appetizers or Meals

  • Flavor-Packed Plate Partners: Steamed white rice creates the perfect bed for soaking up the delicious chili sauce.
  • Fresh Veggie Companions: Crisp cucumber slices or a light Asian-inspired coleslaw add refreshing crunch alongside the spicy chicken.
  • Dipping Delight: Serve extra sauce on the side for those who love an extra flavor punch with each bite.
  • Herbal Brightness: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of aromatic freshness that complements the rich chicken.

Keeping Crispy Chilli Chicken Crunchy After Cooking

  • Store leftover crispy chilli chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap chicken pieces tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date to track storage time.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring crispy texture is maintained.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken breast instead of other cuts?

Yes, chicken breast works perfectly. Just ensure you cut it into bite-sized pieces and don’t overcook to maintain tenderness.

  • Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level depends on the number of red chili peppers you use. You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the peppers according to your preference.

  • Do I need a deep fryer for this recipe?

No, a regular pan with enough vegetable oil works well for frying the chicken until crispy and golden brown.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to adapt the recipe for those with dietary restrictions.

Dive Into the Crunch of Crispy Chilli Chicken

  • Quickest Flavor Explosion: This recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal kitchen time, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-style chicken.
  • Customize Your Spice Level: Easily adjust the heat by controlling red chili pepper quantity, making it adaptable for everyone from mild to wild spice lovers.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Transforms a simple chicken dish into a showstopping appetizer that will impress guests at gatherings, potlucks, and game nights.
  • Zero-Fuss Cooking Technique: Requires basic cooking skills and standard kitchen tools, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve professional-looking results with confidence.
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Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe


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4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy chilli chicken delivers a spicy symphony of Chinese-inspired flavors that dance across your palate. Crunchy golden bites kissed with zesty chilli sauce promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every mouthwatering bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 500 grams (17.6 ounces) boneless chicken

Marinade and Coating Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Oil for deep frying

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
  • 23 green chilies (sliced diagonally)
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 1 bell pepper (diced)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Infuse chicken pieces with a zesty blend of soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger for optimal flavor absorption, allowing 15-20 minutes of marination.
  2. Thoroughly coat each marinated chicken piece in a light, even layer of cornstarch, ensuring complete coverage for maximum crispiness.
  3. Prepare a deep skillet with vegetable oil heated to 350°F, carefully frying chicken until achieving a golden-brown exterior and crisp texture, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  4. In a separate cooking vessel, gently sauté finely chopped garlic, fresh ginger, and vibrant red chili peppers until fragrant and slightly translucent.
  5. Craft a dynamic sauce by incorporating soy sauce, rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and a subtle salt seasoning, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Gently fold crispy chicken pieces into the prepared sauce, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly and evenly coated with the spicy, tangy glaze.
  7. Elevate the dish’s presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions across the surface, creating a visually appealing and aromatic final touch.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richer flavor that stays tender during frying.
  • Allow chicken to sit at room temperature before marinating to ensure even cooking and better absorption of marinade.
  • Pat chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels before coating with cornstarch to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Adjust chili pepper quantity based on personal spice tolerance, using mild peppers for less heat or adding extra for more kick.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Indian-Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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