Name: Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 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; 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)

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If you want a dish that explodes with bold flavors and satisfies every crispy, spicy, and saucy craving, you absolutely must try this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe. Perfect for weeknight dinners, party platters, or whenever you’re hungry for a punchy Asian-inspired treat, this take on the classic delivers shatteringly crisp chicken nestled in a sticky, garlicky, and just-fiery-enough sauce. It’s fuss-free, rewarding, and completely doable in your own kitchen — and once you try it, you’ll be hooked in the best possible way.

Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is half the fun, because each brings its own magic to the final result. From the juiciness of chicken to the signature heat from dried chilies, everything here has a delicious purpose that builds craveable flavor and texture.

Chicken (1 pound, boneless & skinless): Use thighs for extra tenderness, or breasts for a leaner option; cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Seasons the chicken, drawing out flavor right from the start.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and depth.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the chicken with aromatic umami before it even meets the pan.
Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Helps form the signature crisp and airy coating.
All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Combines with cornstarch for a light, shattery crunch.
Egg (1 large): Binds the batter so it hugs every chicken piece.
Water (2 tablespoons): Loosens the batter just enough for perfect coverage.
Vegetable Oil (for frying): Happy to take on the deep-frying, making everything extra crunchy.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for building a truly aromatic sauce.
Ginger (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Brings warmth and zing to balance the spice.
Green Onions (2–3, sliced): Offer freshness and eye-popping color.
Dried Red Chilies (2–3, or 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes): The main source of that classic fiery kick; adjust for your heat preference.
Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides deep savory notes with an unmistakable umami punch.
Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Cuts through richness with gentle acidity for balance.
Chili Garlic Sauce (1 tablespoon): The heart of the heat and flavor, adding complexity and fire.
Ketchup (1 tablespoon): You’d never guess, but it brings a touch of sweetness and tanginess that’s key.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and softens the spice ever so slightly.
Water (2 tablespoons): Keeps the sauce glossy and helps it cling.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon mixed with 1 tablespoon water): Thickens the sauce just enough to coat every crispy bite.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a medium mixing bowl, toss your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure every surface gets a sprinkle — this quick marinade infuses flavor so your chicken is never bland in the middle, no matter how crispy the outside gets.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a separate large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, egg, and water. The goal is a thick, smooth batter that clings lovingly to each piece of chicken. Drop your seasoned pieces in and stir gently to coat, ensuring every bite has that soon-to-be-crunchy shell.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Check the oil by dropping in a bit of batter: it should sizzle joyfully! Fry the chicken in batches so you don’t crowd the pan, turning occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes per batch, until gloriously golden and crisp all over. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate (and maybe try not to sneak too many bites right away!).

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour off any extra oil from your pan and add a fresh tablespoon. Over medium heat, add the minced garlic, ginger, green onions, and dried red chilies. Stir and sauté for a minute or two, just until the kitchen smells irresistible and the aromatics soften up. Now, pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, ketchup, sugar, and water, stirring to combine. Let this beauty simmer until the flavors blend. Drizzle in your cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute or two, until the sauce turns glossy and just thick enough to coat a spoon.

Step 5: Coat and Finish

Return all that crispy chicken to the pan, tossing gently but thoroughly in the simmering sauce. You want every piece gorgeously lacquered and ready to steal the show. Serve immediately, before anyone else can get to it!

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Top your Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe with a scattering of more sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for bright flavor and festive flair. For a fresh, zippy twist, a squeeze of lime or a shower of cilantro works wonders too.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, simple noodles, or even lettuce wraps for a lighter, crunchy contrast. If you’re after a real feast, try adding stir-fried veggies like broccoli, peppers, or snow peas on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try threading the saucy chicken onto skewers for bite-sized appetizers, or nestle it in lettuce cups with crisp cucumber for a fresh hand-held version. You can even serve it over a big platter of fried rice, letting the sauce infuse every grain for a dramatic centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. While the coating won’t be quite as crisp as when fresh, the punchy flavors soak in for a seriously satisfying next-day treat.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken cool completely and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a resealable freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe in a hot oven (400°F/200°C) on a wire rack or baking sheet for about 10–12 minutes. This revives some crispness and keeps the chicken juicy. The microwave will work in a pinch, but the coating will soften slightly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully, though thighs are a bit juicier. Just remember to slice breasts against the grain for maximum tenderness and to avoid overcooking them while frying.

How spicy is this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe?

This dish has a moderate kick, but you control the heat! Add extra chili garlic sauce or fresh chilies for more burn, or scale back on the dried chilies if you want a milder version.

Is it possible to bake rather than fry the chicken?

You can! For a lighter spin, bake the coated chicken pieces on a lightly oiled rack in a 425°F (220°C) oven for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. The result is a little less crunchy, but still plenty delicious.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Definitely. You can prep the sauce components a day ahead and keep them in the fridge. Just reheat in the pan, whisk in the cornstarch slurry, and toss with your fried chicken when you’re ready to eat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

It’s easy to adapt! Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure your vinegar and ketchup are gluten-free, and swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. The results are still every bit as craveable.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe delivers the perfect combination of crunch, spice, and saucy goodness — truly irresistible for anyone who loves bold, comforting flavors. Give it a try and watch your friends and family swoon from that very first bite. I can’t wait for you to discover your own favorite spin on this modern classic!

Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crispy Chilli Chicken recipe is a delightful and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a spicy and savory sauce. Perfect served over rice or noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make a batter with cornstarch, flour, egg, and water. Coat chicken in the batter.
Fry the chicken: Fry coated chicken in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, ginger, green onions, and chilies. Add soy sauce, vinegar, chili garlic sauce, ketchup, sugar, and water. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
Combine: Toss fried chicken in the sauce until coated. Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.