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