When a craving for something flavorful strikes, nothing quite compares to the boldness of Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken. The moment that spicy aroma fills your kitchen, you know you’re in for a treat. This dish captures the essence of vibrant flavours and satisfying crunch, combining juicily tender chicken with a fiery chilli kick that dances on your taste buds.
Having discovered this gem during a late-night cooking spree, I was amazed at how easily the ingredients came together. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can elevate your dinner routine from boring to mouth-watering in a matter of minutes. Perfectly suited for weeknight meals or impressing guests, this recipe strikes that ideal balance between indulgence and simplicity. Get ready to experience the crispy brilliance that is bound to become a favorite in your home!
Why will you love Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken?
Bold flavors come together in this dish, delivering a satisfying punch that will thrill your taste buds.
Quick and easy preparation ensures you can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile ingredients: With common pantry staples, you don’t have to run to the store for specialty items.
Crowd-pleaser: Impress family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to become their new favorite!
Add a twist by incorporating your favorite veggies for an even heartier meal. Enjoy it with rice or noodles for a complete experience!
Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Chicken breast – Choose boneless, skinless pieces for easy cooking and tender bites.
• Cornstarch – This is key for achieving that irresistible crispy coating.
• Egg – Helps bind the cornstarch to the chicken for a perfectly crunchy texture.
For the Sauce
• Chilli sauce – Adds that fiery flavor, adjust according to your spice preference.
• Soy sauce – Provides depth and umami, balancing out the dish beautifully.
• Garlic cloves – Freshly minced garlic imparts a fragrant, savory aroma.
• Ginger – Adds warmth and a zesty kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
For Garnishing
• Spring onions – Sliced green onions bring freshness and a pop of color.
• Sesame seeds – These offer a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to finish off your dish.
Dive into your culinary creativity with this Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken recipe, and enjoy preparing a mouth-watering meal that everyone will love!
How to Make Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken
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Prepare Chicken: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they’re easy to eat and cook quickly, ready for that satisfying crunch.
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Coat Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with egg and cornstarch. Toss until every piece is well coated, which will create that delightful crispy texture when cooked.
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Heat Oil: In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough for frying, but not smoking—approximately 350°F (175°C) is ideal for crisping!
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Fry Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken in the oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels!
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Prepare Sauce: In a separate pan, add chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and bubbly.
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Combine and Toss: Add the crispy chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat every piece evenly in that fiery goodness. Cook together for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
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Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds for a fresh finish. Dive in and enjoy this mouthwatering dish over rice or noodles!
Optional: Serve with extra chili sauce on the side for additional heat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations & Substitutions for Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken
Feel free to explore new flavors and make this dish uniquely yours with these simple swaps and additions.
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Vegan Option: Use crispy tofu or seitan instead of chicken for a delicious plant-based alternative. Firm tofu gets nicely crispy when coated and fried, providing a satisfying texture.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain a gluten-free diet without sacrificing flavor. Both alternatives work well in enhancing the dish’s umami richness.
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Extra Spicy: Add sliced fresh chilies or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for an even hotter kick. This enhancement not only intensifies the heat but adds depth to the overall flavor.
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Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers or broccoli during the sauce stage for a vibrant veggie boost. Not only do they add color, but they also contribute crunch and nutrition to the dish.
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Crispy Garnish: Sprinkle fried shallots or crispy garlic over the finished dish for an added layer of crunch and flavor. These toppings will elevate your meal to new flavor heights.
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Soy-Free: Try using an alternative like liquid aminos or a homemade soy sauce substitute using ingredients like miso paste and water for a soy-free version that’s just as tasty.
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Citrus Twist: Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the dish before serving for a refreshing zing. This brightens up the flavors and adds a delightful bite at the end.
Experiment with these variations to keep your meals exciting and tailor them to your taste preferences!
What to Serve with Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken?
Imagine a vibrant table spread that heightens the bold flavors of your delicious chicken dish and invites everyone to join around for a meal!
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fragrant, it perfectly absorbs the spicy sauce, creating a delightful balance in every bite.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful medley of bell peppers and broccoli adds freshness and crunch, making the meal more nourishing and satisfying.
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Garlicky Noodles: Tender noodles tossed in garlic and soy sauce deliver a comforting base that complements the spicy chicken perfectly.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy bites filled with vegetables provide an enjoyable texture contrast to the juicy chicken, making for a fun appetizer.
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Sesame Seed Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and light, this salad cuts through the heat, adding a cool, crisp element that enhances the meal’s overall appeal.
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Cold Beer or Iced Green Tea: A chilled beverage helps wash down the heat, providing a delightful contrast to the spicy flavors while keeping the gathering lively.
These pairing suggestions will elevate your dining experience, making your Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken dinner truly unforgettable!
Expert Tips for Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken
• Coat Well: Ensure every chicken piece is thoroughly coated in cornstarch and egg; this is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.
• Proper Oil Temperature: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain the oil at 350°F (175°C). If it’s too cool, the chicken will become greasy instead of crisp.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure each piece gets evenly crispy. Overcrowding the pan will lead to steaming instead of frying.
• ** Sauce Consistency:** If your sauce is too runny, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken before tossing in the chicken. The perfect sauce should cling to the pieces without being overly watery.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust the heat level with extra chili sauce to suit your preference—don’t be shy about making it as spicy as you love!
Transform your dinner routine with these helpful tips for the best Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken!
Storage Tips for Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken
Room Temperature: Keep any leftover chicken at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results to maintain that crispy texture.
Freezer: Freeze leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring the chicken remains crispy and delicious.
Make Ahead Options
These Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken bites are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken pieces in egg and cornstarch up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and saving you time on busy weeknights. Alternatively, you can prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh. When ready to cook, simply fry the marinated chicken as instructed, toss it in the prepped sauce, and enjoy the same mouthwatering flavors with minimal effort. This approach ensures that your meal is just as delicious, helping you maintain that perfect crispy texture while keeping your prep stress-free!
Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use for Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken?
I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They’re tender and easy to cut into bite-sized pieces, ensuring a quick cooking time and that perfect crispiness with each bite.
How should I store leftover Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken?
For up to 3 days, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating for optimal taste and texture!
Can I make Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store the coated chicken and the sauce separately in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, just fry the chicken and toss it in the sauce for a freshly cooked dish. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in a flash!
What do I do if the coating on my chicken isn’t crispy?
If your chicken coating isn’t as crispy as you hoped, check a few things: Make sure you thoroughly coat the chicken in both cornstarch and egg, and fry in small batches to keep the oil hot. If your oil isn’t at the right temperature (350°F or 175°C) or you overcrowd the pan, the chicken can take on a greasy texture instead of being beautifully crisp.
Is there a way to adjust the spice level of the sauce?
Definitely! You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili sauce you use in the recipe. Start with a little and taste as you go, adding more if you like it spicier. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chili slices to kick it up a notch!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! To make Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Additionally, ensure that your cornstarch is labeled gluten-free, which it typically is. This way, you can enjoy this flavorful dish without any worries!
Enjoy creating this Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken, your new favorite takeout twist!
Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken: Your New Favorite Takeout Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Chicken: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Coat Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with egg and cornstarch.
- Heat Oil: In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Chicken: Carefully fry the coated chicken in batches for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate pan, add chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir over medium heat.
- Combine and Toss: Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds before serving.