This Crispy Chilli Chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Golden-fried chicken chunks coated in a sticky-sweet sauce with just the right kick from chillies—what’s not to love? It’s the perfect balance of crispy, saucy, sweet, and spicy in every bite.
Perfect for a Friday night fakeaway, this dish is quick enough for weeknights but fancy enough to impress. Serve it with jasmine rice or noodles, and garnish with fresh spring onions for that restaurant-style finish at home. It’s a go-to recipe you’ll want on repeat all year long.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 egg
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1/2 cup cornflour
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1/2 cup plain flour
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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Oil for deep frying
For the sauce:
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2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
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1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
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1 tablespoon light soy sauce
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1 tablespoon honey
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 red chilli, finely sliced
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1/2 onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
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1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
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1 spring onion, chopped (for garnish)
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Directions:
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In a bowl, mix chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, egg, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes.
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Combine cornflour and plain flour in a bowl. Toss marinated chicken in the flour mix until evenly coated.
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Heat oil in a deep pan and fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on kitchen paper.
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In a wok or large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add garlic and sliced chillies and stir-fry for 1 minute.
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Add onions and bell peppers, stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
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In a small bowl, mix sweet chilli sauce, soy sauces, honey, ketchup, and rice vinegar.
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Pour sauce into the pan with the vegetables, bring to a simmer and let it thicken slightly.
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Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss until all pieces are coated evenly.
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Garnish with spring onions and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Magic of Crispy Chilli Chicken: A Perfect Blend of Sweet, Spicy, and Crunchy
Crispy Chilli Chicken is one of those dishes that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner or serving it up at a dinner party, this dish never fails to impress. Its perfectly crisp texture paired with a spicy-sweet glaze makes it irresistible to almost everyone. If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine or just love a dish with an intense flavor profile, this recipe is a must-try.
What makes this dish truly stand out is the balance it achieves between crunchy chicken and a flavorful sauce that combines sweetness, spice, and a touch of umami. The crispy chicken, golden and crunchy on the outside, contrasts perfectly with the sticky, glossy sauce that coats each bite. It’s a meal that’s simple enough for a home cook to prepare yet complex enough to taste like something you’d get at a top-tier Asian restaurant.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Chilli Chicken
There are several reasons why Crispy Chilli Chicken has become such a popular dish. First and foremost, it offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The crunchiness of the fried chicken bites contrasts beautifully with the rich, tangy sauce. The sweet chilli sauce adds a nice sweetness to the dish, while the chili brings a touch of heat that’s perfectly balanced by the other ingredients. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or spicy, this dish covers all your flavor bases.
Another reason for its popularity is the versatility of the recipe. It’s easy to customize to suit your personal preferences. If you like your food extra spicy, simply add more fresh chili or some chili flakes. For those who enjoy a milder version, you can reduce the amount of chili sauce or even omit it entirely. The dish also works well with a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and garlic, adding both flavor and nutrition.
Furthermore, Crispy Chilli Chicken is a great dish for anyone who loves crispy food but wants to avoid the guilt associated with deep-frying. While the chicken is fried, you can control the oil temperature and cooking time, ensuring that each piece comes out perfectly crispy without being overly greasy. The result is a dish that feels indulgent without being too heavy.
Crispy Chilli Chicken: Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Crispy Chilli Chicken is its versatility when it comes to serving. Whether it’s a casual dinner with friends, a family meal, or a special occasion, this dish fits in effortlessly. Its vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a great centerpiece for a meal, and it pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles. You can even serve it as an appetizer for parties or potlucks.
The recipe also adapts well to meal prep. If you find yourself short on time during the week, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Then, simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The sauce might even taste better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together.
The Role of the Sauce in Crispy Chilli Chicken
The sauce is the star of this dish. It’s what gives the Crispy Chilli Chicken its signature sweet and spicy flavor. The combination of sweet chilli sauce, honey, and ketchup provides the dish with that irresistible glossy finish and depth of flavor. The addition of rice vinegar adds a subtle tanginess, balancing out the sweetness and heat.
The garlic, ginger, and fresh chili bring out the savory side of the sauce, while the bell peppers and onions provide a slight crunch and sweetness. The sauce not only coats the chicken but also infuses each piece with incredible flavor, making every bite a delightful explosion of tastes. The balance between sweet, spicy, and savory is key, and the beauty of this dish lies in how all these elements come together to create something unforgettable.
How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken at Home
Making Crispy Chilli Chicken at home might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually much simpler than you’d think. The key to achieving that perfect crispiness lies in the batter. By coating the chicken in a mixture of cornflour and plain flour, you create a light, crispy coating that holds up well when deep-fried. The addition of egg helps bind the flour mixture to the chicken, ensuring the coating stays intact during frying.
Once the chicken is fried, the magic happens when it’s tossed in the sweet and spicy sauce. The sauce is what elevates this dish from a simple fried chicken recipe to a restaurant-quality meal. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s flexible—feel free to adjust the sauce according to your taste, adding more chili for heat or honey for sweetness. The dish is fully customizable to suit your palate.
For a healthier alternative, you can also bake the chicken instead of deep-frying it. While the texture won’t be quite as crispy, you’ll still get the rich, delicious flavor from the sauce.
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Chilli Chicken
Crispy Chilli Chicken is best served hot and fresh. Pair it with a simple side of steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Alternatively, you can serve it with noodles or even in a wrap with fresh vegetables for a more contemporary twist.
For a well-rounded meal, consider adding a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or carrots. A refreshing cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a great accompaniment, balancing out the richness of the chicken.
If you’re hosting a gathering or party, Crispy Chilli Chicken also works well as an appetizer or finger food. Serve it in small portions with toothpicks or skewers, allowing guests to easily grab a bite.
The Health Factor: Can Crispy Chilli Chicken Be Healthy?
While Crispy Chilli Chicken is certainly a treat, there are ways to make the dish a little healthier without compromising on flavor. First, consider using lean chicken breast instead of thighs. While chicken thighs offer more flavor and moisture, chicken breasts are lower in fat and can still be juicy when cooked properly.
Additionally, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce or use a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup for a slightly healthier option. Opting for a light soy sauce or using less oil for frying can also help cut down on the calories.
For those who are looking to make a fully health-conscious version, consider baking the chicken instead of deep-frying it. This reduces the fat content while still providing a crispy texture. You can also serve it with a healthy vegetable stir-fry or a side of quinoa for added nutritional value.
Conclusion
Crispy Chilli Chicken is a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory elements, making it a favorite for many food lovers. Its crunchy texture and flavorful sauce make every bite a delicious experience. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
The versatility of this recipe allows you to adjust it to your taste preferences, from the level of heat to the thickness of the sauce. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, yet rich in flavor and texture, making it an ideal choice for any meal. So, the next time you’re craving something crispy, sweet, and spicy, give this Crispy Chilli Chicken a try—you won’t be disappointed.
This recipe also highlights how you can enjoy comfort food with a slight twist, making it healthier by tweaking the ingredients or cooking methods. Whether you’re indulging in its crispy glory or making it a part of a well-balanced meal, Crispy Chilli Chicken will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.