Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Chilli Chicken delivers the ultimate combination of bold flavors and irresistible crunch. This takeout-favorite is a masterful balance of golden, crisp-coated chicken tossed with aromatic garlic, spicy green chilies, and a tangy-sweet sauce. It’s a perfect dish when you’re in the mood for a restaurant-quality appetizer or a zesty main course at home.

Crispy Chilli Chicken is a true crowd-pleaser, impressing guests with its vibrant appearance and sensational taste – all while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare in a home kitchen.

Why This Crispy Chilli Chicken Stands Out

What really makes this crispy chilli chicken recipe shine is its distinct two-step technique: first, the chicken is marinated and coated for maximum crunch, then quickly tossed in a glossy, flavorful sauce. The result is chicken that stays juicy inside and super crispy outside, all while soaking up the lively flavours from chilies, soy sauce, and peppers. You get layers of taste and big restaurant flair from start to finish.

Prepping the Ingredients for Success

A sharp, efficient tool helps ensure your prep work is a breeze. Dicing onions and bell peppers into uniform pieces allows for even cooking and perfect presentation. The Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper streamlines this step, saving you significant time and effort in your mise en place.

Boneless chicken thighs deliver juicier, more flavorful results, but tenderloins or breasts work well if that’s your preference. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor penetration.

The Crunch: Frying or Air Frying?

For classic restaurant-style crunch, shallow frying is the way to go. However, modern kitchens can achieve golden perfection with less oil by using an air fryer. The COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt gives you ultra-crisp chicken with a fraction of the oil and fuss – perfect if you’re looking to lighten things up without sacrificing texture.

Prep your chicken and line your tray or basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for a nonstick, easy clean-up solution that also helps prevent sticking.

Making the Signature Chilli Sauce

The secret to a mouthwatering chilli chicken is whisking up a vivid, sticky sauce that clings to every bite. Fresh garlic, green and red chilies, soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sugar are stir-fried until aromatic, then thickened with a cornstarch slurry for that restaurant-style finish.

To avoid sauce splatter and guarantee even sautéing, opt for a quality nonstick pan like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. Its even heating and nonstick surface make tossing the chicken with the sauce a joy.

Serving Suggestions for a Spicy Crisp Finish

This dish truly shines when served immediately, while the chicken retains its signature crunch. For a restaurant-style look, heap your Chilli Chicken onto a platter, sprinkle with fresh green onions or sesame seeds, and serve alongside hot jasmine rice or fried noodles.

Ideal for sharing, this vibrant plate brings energy and excitement to any dinner table.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 hearty servings. Each serving delivers around 350–400 calories (depending on frying method and serving size). Pair with extra fresh veggies or a simple salad if you’d like to round out the meal.

Crispy Chilli Chicken (Recap)

Bringing together perfectly crispy chicken and a punchy chilli sauce, this recipe is the ultimate answer for anyone craving Chinese-inspired comfort food at home. With the right tools and a few easy techniques, you’ll create an unforgettable favorite for family and friends.

Instructions

1. In a bowl, marinate chicken with soy sauce, rice vinegar, black pepper, and egg white for 20–30 minutes.
2. Add cornstarch and flour to the marinated chicken. Toss until each piece is evenly coated. For best results, let rest 5 minutes for coating to adhere.
3. Heat oil in a deep skillet or air fryer. For pan frying, add enough oil to shallow fry and heat to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crisp, then drain on a rack. For air frying, arrange chicken in a single layer on a rack lined with parchment paper and cook at 400°F in the COSORI Air Fryer for 12–14 minutes, turning once.
4. While chicken cooks, prepare the sauce: Heat oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet. Add garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add bell peppers and spring onions. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
6. Pour in soy sauce, ketchup, chili sauce, sugar, vinegar, and water. Stir and bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt if needed.
7. Add the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss quickly to coat each piece thoroughly in sauce.
8. Transfer to a platter, garnish with extra spring onions, slices of chili, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy the unmistakable punch and crave-worthy crunch of homemade Crispy Chilli Chicken—with less effort and even better results than your favorite takeaway!