Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe: Spicy Magic in Every Bite

Whipping up a crispy chilli chicken that dazzles taste buds takes some serious kitchen magic.

Spicy aromas will instantly awaken your senses with this irresistible dish.

Chinese-inspired flavors dance across your palate, promising a culinary adventure.

Crunchy exterior gives way to tender, succulent meat in each delightful bite.

Marinating secrets unlock deep, complex flavor profiles that surprise and delight.

Restaurant-quality results await you with minimal effort and maximum enjoyment.

Come see how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal that everyone will love.

Why Crispy Chilli Chicken Always Packs a Punch

• Elevate Crispy Textures: Achieve golden-brown chicken pieces with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior that guarantees a delightful bite every single time.
• Master Quick Flavor Fusion: Combine simple ingredients like chili peppers, garlic, and sauces to create a bold, spicy coating that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Recreate a professional-style dish without complex techniques, delivering restaurant-standard flavor right in your kitchen with minimal cooking skills required.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something zesty and delicious that appeals to multiple taste preferences.

What You’ll Need to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken

• Chicken: Lean meat that serves as the main protein source for this crispy and spicy dish.

• Eggs, Cornstarch: Eggs help create a sticky base for the coating, while cornstarch ensures a super crispy exterior.

• Garlic, Red Chili Peppers, Green Chili Peppers, Bell Pepper: Fresh ingredients that provide layers of spicy and aromatic flavor to the chicken.
• Soy Sauce, Chili Sauce, Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that create a bold and vibrant sauce for coating the chicken.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil used for deep frying the chicken to achieve a golden and crispy texture.

• Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add a bright and aromatic finishing touch to the dish.

Easy Instructions for Sizzling Chilli Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized chunks that will cook evenly and create perfect morsels of deliciousness.

Step 2: Create Egg Coating

• Eggs

Whisk eggs in a mixing bowl, then thoroughly coat each chicken piece to help the next layer stick perfectly.

Step 3: Add Crispy Cornstarch Layer

• Cornstarch

Generously sprinkle cornstarch over egg-coated chicken, ensuring a complete coverage that will transform into a golden, crunchy exterior.

Step 4: Chop Flavor Boosters

• Garlic
• Red chili peppers
• Green chili peppers
• Bell pepper

Finely mince all ingredients into small, consistent pieces that will distribute flavor throughout the dish.

Step 5: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high temperature until the oil shimmers and looks ready for frying.

Step 6: Fry Chicken to Golden Perfection

Carefully place chicken pieces into hot oil, giving each chunk enough space to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 7: Ensure Complete Cooking

Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally to guarantee even browning and thorough cooking throughout each piece.

Step 8: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried chicken to paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining that irresistible crispiness.

Step 9: Create Flavor Base

• Minced garlic
• Chili peppers
• Bell pepper

Sauté the chopped ingredients in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes until they release their aromatic fragrance.

Step 10: Build Spicy Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Chili sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Add these seasonings to create a vibrant, spicy coating that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 11: Combine and Coat

Return crispy chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure every piece gets completely covered in the delicious sauce.

Step 12: Garnish and Elevate

• Green onions
• Cilantro

Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs over the chicken to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Step 13: Serve Immediately

Plate the chicken while it’s piping hot and wonderfully crispy, ready to be devoured and enjoyed.

Top Tips for Spicy, Crunchy Chicken Perfection

• Master Coating Technique: Use a light, even cornstarch layer to achieve that perfect golden, crispy exterior on chicken pieces.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat around 350-375°F to ensure chicken cooks evenly without burning or becoming greasy.
• Prevent Overcrowding: Fry chicken in batches to keep pieces separated, allowing each chunk to crisp up beautifully without steaming.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust chili pepper quantities to match your personal heat tolerance, using green chilis for milder flavor or red for extra kick.
• Drain Excess Oil: Place fried chicken on wire rack instead of paper towels to preserve crispiness and prevent soggy bottoms.

Bold Flavors to Mix with Your Chilli Chicken

• Honey Chili Chicken: Swap chili sauce with honey for a sweet-spicy version, maintaining the crispy texture while adding caramelized sweetness.
• Thai-Inspired Crispy Chicken: Incorporate lemongrass, ginger, and fish sauce to create an authentic Southeast Asian flavor profile with a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Almond Crusted Chicken: Replace cornstarch with ground almonds for a protein-rich, gluten-free coating that delivers extra crunch and nutty undertones.
• Coconut Curry Crispy Chicken: Blend coconut milk and mild curry powder into the sauce, transforming the dish with creamy, aromatic Indian-inspired elements.

Best Pairings for Crispy Chilli Chicken Nights

• Pair with Cooling Cucumber Raita: Creamy yogurt-based side that balances the spicy chicken's heat, providing a refreshing counterpoint and soothing palate experience.
• Complement with Jasmine Rice: Fluffy, fragrant white rice absorbs the zesty sauce perfectly, enhancing each bite's flavor and adding a delicate textural contrast.
• Match with Crisp Lager Beer: Light, cold beer cuts through the chicken's richness, its effervescence cleansing the palate and amplifying the dish's spicy notes.
• Select Riesling Wine: Semi-sweet white wine with slight acidity harmonizes beautifully with the chili chicken's intense flavors, creating a sophisticated dining experience.

How to Store Chilli Chicken the Smart Way

• Store cooled crispy chilli chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the chicken's crispy texture intact by placing a paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn, and store for maximum 2 months, separating sauce from chicken to maintain crispiness.
• Revive cold chicken by using an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, which helps restore the original crispy texture better than microwave, preventing soggy results.
• Never leave crispy chilli chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth, always refrigerate promptly after serving and cooling down to ensure food safety.

Spicy Chicken FAQs You’ll Want to Read

• How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy after cooking?

Pat the chicken pieces dry before coating and avoid overcrowding the pan during frying. Use high heat and drain on paper towels to maintain crispiness.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or tofu for a similar crispy texture and flavor profile.

• What if I want to make the dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of chili peppers and chili sauce, or use mild green peppers to decrease the heat level while maintaining the dish’s overall flavor.

• Is there a healthier cooking method for this recipe?

Try baking the chicken pieces on a wire rack at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once, to achieve a similar crispy texture with less oil.

Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy chilli chicken delivers a spicy symphony of flavors that dance across Chinese and Indian culinary traditions. Crunchy exterior and tender meat promise a delightful experience you’ll savor with each perfectly seasoned bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 500g / 1.1 lb chicken breast or thighs
• 2 eggs
• 50g / 1.75 oz cornstarch

Seasonings and Spices:

• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp chili sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 red chili pepper
• 1 green chili pepper

Vegetables and Garnish:

• 1 onion
• 2 green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 bell pepper

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform chunks for consistent cooking.
2. Whisk eggs in a mixing bowl, then coat chicken pieces thoroughly with the egg mixture.
3. Sprinkle cornstarch over egg-coated chicken, creating a crisp exterior layer that will deliver golden crunchiness.
4. Mince garlic, red and green chili peppers, and bell pepper into fine, uniform pieces.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
6. Carefully place chicken pieces into hot oil, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown crust without overcrowding the pan.
7. Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning and complete cooking.
8. Remove chicken and drain excess oil on paper towels to maintain crispiness.
9. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic, chili peppers, and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
10. Add soy sauce, chili sauce, salt, and black pepper to create a vibrant, spicy coating.
11. Return crispy chicken to the skillet, tossing to evenly distribute the sauce and seasonings.
12. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro for fresh, aromatic finish.
13. Serve immediately while chicken remains hot and crispy.

Notes

• Chicken Selection Matters: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with minimal fat for the crispiest texture and best absorption of flavors.
• Cornstarch Coating Secret: Ensure a light, even cornstarch layer by using a sifter or fine-mesh strainer to prevent clumping and achieve maximum crunchiness.
• Temperature Control Technique: Maintain oil at 350-375°F for perfect golden-brown exterior without burning, using a cooking thermometer for precision.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap chicken with tofu or cauliflower for vegetarian options, and use gluten-free cornstarch and tamari sauce for gluten-sensitive diners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 150mg