Spicy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Fiery Spicy Chilli Chicken Recipe That Ignites Your Taste Buds

Weeknight dinners demand bold flavors that spark excitement at the dinner table, and this spicy chilli chicken recipe delivers mouthwatering excitement.

Packed with aromatic spices and tender chicken, this dish promises a culinary adventure.

The secret lies in perfectly balanced heat and complex seasonings that dance across your palate.

Each bite brings a symphony of zesty notes and warming spices that elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-style favorite with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Tender chicken pieces coated in a vibrant, fiery sauce will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe transforms a basic protein into a show-stopping meal that keeps you coming back for more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

For The Crispy Coating:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base for a light, airy crunch that locks in moisture and creates a delicate exterior.
  • Cornstarch: Ensures extra crispiness and helps the coating stick perfectly to the chicken.
  • Garlic Powder: Infuses a subtle, aromatic flavor into the crispy layer.
  • Paprika: Adds a warm, slightly sweet color and mild pepper essence.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Elevates the overall seasoning and brings out the chicken's natural flavors.
For The Chicken Base:
  • Chicken Pieces: Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for tender, juicy meat that absorbs flavors beautifully.
  • Eggs: Acts as a crucial binding agent, helping the seasoned coating adhere to the chicken.
For The Vibrant Sauce:
  • Sesame Oil: Provides a rich, nutty base that adds depth to the entire dish.
  • Fresh Garlic, Ginger: Creates an aromatic foundation with bold, zesty undertones.
  • Sliced Chilies: Brings a fiery kick and authentic heat to the sauce.
  • Soy Sauce: Delivers a deep umami flavor and rich saltiness.
  • Honey: Balances the heat with a smooth, sweet counterpoint.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness.
  • Ketchup: Optional ingredient that provides a subtle sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
For The Finishing Touch:
  • Green Onions: Offers a fresh, crisp garnish with a mild onion bite.
  • Sesame Seeds: Provides a delightful nutty.

Tools to Fry Crispy Chilli Chicken with Ease

  • Large skillet or wok: Essential for frying chicken and creating sauce.
  • Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan: Helps achieve crispy, golden chicken.
  • Mixing bowls: Perfect for coating chicken and preparing flour mixture.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping garlic, ginger, green onions, and chilies.
  • Sharp knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Tongs: Great for safely handling and turning chicken while frying.
  • Paper towels: Used for draining excess oil from fried chicken.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir sauce and coat chicken evenly.

Cook Chilli Chicken That’s Crunchy and Spicy

  • Chicken Prep Powerhouse

Whip up a zesty coating by mixing flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a bowl. Dunk chicken pieces in beaten egg, then roll them through the seasoned flour mixture until completely covered.

  • Crispy Frying

Pour oil into a hot skillet, creating a sizzling bath for your chicken. Fry each batch until they transform into golden-brown, crunchy delights. Let them rest on paper towels to drain excess oil.

  • Sauce Sensation

Warm sesame oil in a pan and toss in aromatic garlic, ginger, and chilies. Let them dance and release their flavors. Pour in saucy companions like soy sauce, honey, and vinegar. Stir and watch the happen as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

  • Ultimate Flavor Fusion

Drop those crispy chicken pieces into the bubbling sauce. Gently toss until each morsel is gloriously coated with spicy, sweet goodness. Let them mingle for a minute to soak up all the incredible flavors.

  • Stunning Serve-Up

Sprinkle fresh green onions and sesame seeds on top for a beautiful finish. Plate alongside steamed rice or enjoy as a tantalizing standalone treat that’ll make taste buds do a happy dance.

Tips That Add Heat and Flavor to Crispy Chicken

  • Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breading.
  • Adjust chili quantity based on heat preference; remove seeds for milder version or add extra dried chili flakes for intense heat.
  • Replace deep-frying with oven-baking at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning chicken halfway through for even crispiness.
  • Swap wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
  • Easily substitute chicken with tofu, cauliflower, or shrimp for vegetarian or seafood variations while maintaining similar cooking technique.

Serve This Chicken with Rice or Noodles

  • Flavor Fusion Companions: Pair this crispy chilli chicken with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and balance the spicy kick.
  • Texture Contrast Plate: Layer the chicken over a bed of crisp lettuce or mixed greens for a refreshing crunch that complements the crispy protein.
  • Dipping Delight Station: Prepare small bowls of extra sauce, sweet chili sauce, or cool yogurt-based dip to enhance each bite and provide personalized flavor experiences.
  • Party Platter Presentation: Arrange the chicken on a large platter with scattered green onions, sesame seeds, and optional sliced red chilies for a vibrant, restaurant-style serving approach that invites shared dining.

Store Chilli Chicken for Quick Meals Later

  • Prepare extra chicken pieces and sauce separately to create quick meals throughout the week. Store components in airtight containers for fast weeknight dinners or lunch prep.
  • Freeze uncoated chicken and sauce individually for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight and reheat in skillet for maximum crispiness, avoiding microwave to maintain texture.
  • Store cooked chicken and sauce separately to prevent soggy texture. Keep in sealed containers for 3-4 days, ensuring best quality and taste when reheating in a hot skillet.
  • Divide chicken and sauce into single-serving containers for grab-and-go meals. Label with date and contents to track freshness and make meal planning easier.

FAQs

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. They provide tender meat that crisps up nicely and absorbs the sauce well, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.

  • How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

Double-coat the chicken by dipping in egg and flour mixture twice. Use fresh, hot oil at the right temperature (around 350-375°F) and avoid overcrowding the pan during frying to maintain crispiness.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the number of chilies used. You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing sliced chilies. For milder version, remove chili seeds or use fewer peppers.

  • Can I bake instead of frying the chicken?

Yes, you can bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway. While not as crispy as frying, it’s a healthier alternative that still delivers good flavor and texture.

Print
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Spicy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Spicy Chilli Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Crispy chilli chicken brings together succulent chicken pieces with a fiery sauce from Chinese-Indian cuisine. Spicy, crunchy, and irresistible, this dish will satisfy intense flavor cravings you crave.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 23 red chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tbsps honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsps rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp ketchup (optional, for color and tang)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water (slurry)
  • Oil, for frying
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Craft a robust flour blend combining cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing container.
  2. Coating Technique: Dunk chicken pieces through beaten egg, then thoroughly dredge in seasoned flour mixture, ensuring comprehensive coverage for maximum crispiness.
  3. Frying Setup: Heat oil in a deep skillet at medium-high temperature, creating an optimal environment for achieving golden, crunchy exteriors.
  4. Chicken Transformation: Fry chicken segments in controlled batches, allowing each piece to develop a perfect crisp texture within 4-5 minutes.
  5. Oil Management: Drain fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil while maintaining their delectable crunchiness.
  6. Sauce Foundation: Warm sesame oil in a large skillet, establishing an aromatic base for the flavor-packed sauce.
  7. Aromatics Activation: Sauté minced garlic, grated ginger, and thinly sliced chilies in heated oil, releasing their intense fragrant essences.
  8. Sauce Development: Blend soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and ketchup, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  9. Sauce Refinement: Introduce a cornstarch slurry, stirring consistently to create a glossy, luxurious sauce consistency.
  10. Final Fusion: Fold crispy chicken pieces into the vibrant sauce, ensuring complete coating and flavor integration during a brief 1-2 minute simmer.
  11. Garnish and Presentation: Sprinkle freshly sliced green onions and sesame seeds across the surface, elevating both visual appeal and taste profile.
  12. Serving Suggestion: Plate the crispy chilli chicken alongside steamed rice or noodles, ready to tantalize adventurous taste buds.

Notes

  • Choose High-Protein Flour: Select a protein-rich flour like all-purpose or rice flour for extra crispiness and better coating adhesion.
  • Control Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent 350-375°F oil temperature to prevent soggy or burnt chicken, using a thermometer for precision.
  • Drain Excess Oil Properly: Let fried chicken rest on wire rack instead of paper towels to keep crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: Modify chili quantities based on personal heat tolerance by removing seeds or using milder pepper varieties for sensitive palates.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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