Crispy Chilli Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bold, spicy, and packed with irresistible flavors, this Crispy Chilli Chicken recipe is perfect for you. With a blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, combined with the crunch of perfectly fried chicken, this dish will leave your taste buds craving more. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step guide to creating this mouthwatering recipe!

Ingredients

• 300 g Chicken Breast
• 100 g Cornflour (Add More If Needed – See Notes)
• 1 tsp Garlic and Ginger Paste
• 1 Egg White
• 2 Spring Onions
• Vegetable Oil
• 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp Garlic and Ginger Paste
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1 tsp White Pepper
• 3 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
• 4 tbsp Honey
• 1 tbsp Sriracha
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breast into thin strips. This ensures even cooking and allows the marinade to seep in for maximum flavor.

2. Marinade for Flavor
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with marinade ingredients: dark soy sauce, garlic and ginger paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

3. Prep the Stir Fry Sauce
While the chicken marinates, prepare the stir fry sauce. In a small mixing bowl, mix honey, lemon juice, dark soy sauce, and sriracha. Set this aside for later use.

4. Coat the Chicken
Add an egg white to the marinated chicken and mix well. Pour the cornflour into the bowl and toss the chicken until every piece is thoroughly coated.

5. Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan to 180°C. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 1-2 minutes each. To achieve extra crispiness, fry the chicken a second time for 2-3 minutes.

6. Simmer the Sauce
In a clean pan, heat a tablespoon of oil and sauté garlic and ginger paste for 5-10 seconds. Add the prepared stir fry sauce and stir for about 30 seconds until it thickens slightly.

7. Combine for Perfection
Add the crispy chicken into the pan and toss it until each piece is coated in the sweet chilli sauce. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve immediately for the best experience.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

• Rice Pairing: Serve the crispy chilli chicken over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Noodle Option: Pair it with stir-fried noodles tossed in soy sauce and sesame oil for a delicious combination.
• Vegetable Side: Complement the dish with sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
• Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and additional chopped spring onions for an extra layer of flavor and a visually appealing presentation.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispiness of the chicken. Add a splash of water or extra sauce if it becomes too dry.
• Freezing: Although freezing is not recommended for this dish due to the potential loss of crispiness, you can freeze the sauce separately for up to 1 month and prepare fresh chicken when ready to enjoy.

With these serving and storage tips, your Crispy Chilli Chicken can be enjoyed fresh and delicious, whether served immediately or saved for later!

Variations

Elevate your Crispy Chilli Chicken recipe with these creative variations, perfect for customizing the dish to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

1. Spicy Garlic Chilli Chicken

• Add extra minced garlic and dried red chilli flakes to the sauce for a bold garlic-infused kick.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro for an aromatic twist.

2. Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chilli Chicken

• Toss in fresh pineapple chunks during the final simmer for a sweet and tangy contrast to the spicy sauce.
• Pair with coconut rice for a tropical vibe.

3. Vegetarian Crispy Chilli Tofu

• Substitute chicken with firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut into cubes and coat them in cornflour.
• Follow the same frying and sauce preparation steps for a crispy, flavorful vegetarian option.

4. Crispy Chilli Chicken with Cashews

• Add roasted cashews during the final toss in the sauce for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• This variation pairs wonderfully with fried rice or noodles.

5. Extra Hot Chilli Chicken

• Increase the amount of sriracha or add finely chopped fresh red chillies for an extra fiery kick.
• Drizzle with a touch of chilli oil before serving for maximum heat.

6. Honey Lime Chilli Chicken

• Replace lemon juice with lime juice and double the honey for a zesty, sweet flavor profile.
• Garnish with lime wedges and a sprinkle of lime zest.

7. Sticky Orange Chilli Chicken

• Swap lemon juice for fresh orange juice and add a teaspoon of orange zest to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
• Serve with orange slices for a vibrant presentation.

8. Gluten-Free Crispy Chilli Chicken

• Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornflour to make this dish gluten-free without compromising on flavor.
• Pair with gluten-free rice noodles or cauliflower rice.

These variations make your Crispy Chilli Chicken recipe endlessly adaptable, ensuring it never gets boring and always satisfies your cravings!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and add a juicier texture to the dish. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for easy preparation.

2. How can I make the dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely. You can also add more honey or a splash of coconut milk to mellow out the spice.

3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, coat the chicken pieces in cornflour, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the chicken fresh for maximum crispiness. However, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

5. What can I use as a substitute for cornflour?
You can use potato starch, tapioca flour, or even all-purpose flour, though the texture may vary slightly.

6. Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
For a healthier version, use an air fryer to cook the chicken or bake it instead of deep-frying. You can also use less oil and reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots are excellent additions. Stir-fry the vegetables separately and toss them in with the chicken and sauce.

8. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the crispiness.

9. Can I freeze this dish?
While the chicken may lose its crispiness upon freezing, you can freeze the sauce separately for up to 1 month. Fry fresh chicken when ready to serve.

10. What side dishes go well with Crispy Chilli Chicken?
Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, stir-fried noodles, or a fresh green salad make excellent accompaniments to this flavorful dish.

These FAQs provide helpful insights for making, customizing, and enjoying your Crispy Chilli Chicken to its fullest!

This Crispy Chilli Chicken recipe is a perfect harmony of crunch and spice, making it a standout addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to something special, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out and enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!

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