Crispy Chilli Chicken

This crispy chilli chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy notes with a satisfyingly crunchy texture. Tender chicken strips are coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a luscious sauce made with honey, soy, and a kick of sriracha. Garnished with fresh spring onions, it comes together quickly and is a favorite in our household for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.

I first made this recipe for a friend's birthday party and it instantly became their requested dish every time we meet. The combination of honey sweetness and spicy kick is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients List

• Chicken breast: cut into thin strips for tenderness and even cooking
• Cornflour: creates the light and crispy coating& choose fresh and fine
• Garlic and ginger paste: infuses warm and aromatic flavors
• Egg white: helps bind the cornflour to the chicken, making the coating crisp
• Spring onions: add a sharp fresh crunch and color in the final dish
• Vegetable oil: for deep frying, ideally with a high smoke point
• Dark soy sauce: adds umami depth both in marinade and sauce
• Sesame oil: brings a subtle nutty aroma in the marinade
• Sugar: balances the heat and acidity in the marinade
• White pepper: gives gentle heat and a peppery finish
• Honey: brings natural sweetness that caramelizes well in the sauce
• Sriracha: adds the spicy kick& adjust to taste for your preferred heat level
• Lemon juice: provides bright acidity that lifts all the flavors

Cooking Steps

Prepare The Chicken:

Cut chicken breast into thin strips for quick and even cooking

Marinate The Chicken:

Combine dark soy sauce, garlic and ginger paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper with the chicken. Let it absorb the flavors for at least 10 minutes to tenderize and season well

Make The Stir Fry Sauce:

Mix honey, lemon juice, dark soy sauce, and sriracha in a bowl and set aside to use later

Coat The Chicken:

Add egg white into the marinated chicken, mix thoroughly, then coat evenly with cornflour until each piece is well covered

First Fry:

Heat vegetable oil to 180 degrees Celsius in a wok or frying pan. Fry chicken pieces for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden

Second Fry For Extra Crispiness:

Remove the chicken briefly, then fry again for 2 to 3 minutes until deeply golden and extra crispy

Prepare The Sauce:

In a clean pan, heat a tablespoon of oil and quickly fry garlic and ginger paste for 5 to 10 seconds to release fragrance. Add the prepared stir fry sauce and stir for about 30 seconds until the sauce thickens

Combine And Garnish:

Add the crispy chicken into the sauce, tossing well to coat evenly. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped spring onions and serve immediately for best texture

This dish always reminds me of family dinners where the kids would rush to grab the crispiest pieces first. I love how versatile it is whether served with steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves.

Best Storage Practices

Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers to maintain crispiness Reheat chicken in an oven or air fryer at moderate heat rather than microwave to avoid sogginess Consume within two days for the best taste and texture

Ingredient Swaps

Chicken thighs can be used instead of breast for juicier meat though cook times may vary Maple syrup or brown sugar can replace honey for a different sweetness profile Chili garlic sauce or another hot sauce can swap sriracha to alter the spice character

Serving Pairings

Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice complements this dish well and balances out the heat A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar lightens up the meal and adds crunch Serve alongside stir-fried greens like bok choy or broccoli for a complete and colorful plate

This recipe is a beloved staple that combines bold flavors and satisfying texture perfectly.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ How do I achieve extra crispiness on the chicken?

Coat the chicken evenly with cornflour and fry it twice: a quick initial fry and a longer second fry. Ensure oil temperature is around 180°C for optimal crispiness.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?

Yes, increase or decrease the amount of sriracha in the sauce according to your heat preference without overpowering the balance of flavors.

→ What is the purpose of marinating the chicken?

Marinating with soy sauce, garlic and ginger paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper infuses the chicken with savory, aromatic flavors while tenderizing it slightly.

→ Is it necessary to use egg white in the batter?

Egg white helps the cornflour adhere better to the chicken pieces, resulting in a crispier coating once fried.

→ How should I serve the dish for best taste?

Serve immediately after tossing the chicken in the sauce to enjoy the contrast of crispy texture and glossy, flavorful coating, garnished with fresh spring onions for a fresh crunch.