If you’re craving something that perfectly balances crunch, spice, and a touch of sweetness, then you absolutely must try this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe. It’s a fantastic dish where tender chicken strips are coated in a crisp, golden crust and tossed in a vibrant sauce that brings a beautiful kick. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends on a weekend, this recipe delivers layers of flavor and texture that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding thin pieces of light brown meat coated evenly with a slightly shiny, darker brown sauce. The meat pieces are layered loosely on top of each other, creating a textured and glossy look. The bowl is viewed from above, showing the meat covering nearly all the inside bottom of the bowl with sauce bits spread around the sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the chicken’s tender juiciness to the sticky, spicy sauce and crunchy coating, every component is essential.

300 g Chicken Breast: Use fresh chicken breast cut into thin strips for quick and even cooking.
100 g Cornflour (Add More If Needed): This is key for that irresistible crispy coating that holds the sauce beautifully.
1 tsp Garlic And Ginger Paste: Adds a fragrant, savory base that elevates the marinade and sauce.
1 Egg White: Helps the cornflour stick to the chicken, ensuring a crunchy texture.
2 Spring Onions: Freshly chopped for a bright garnish that cuts through the richness.
Vegetable Oil: For frying—the higher the smoke point, the better for crispy chicken.
Chicken Marinade Ingredients: 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp white pepper—all combine to deeply flavor the chicken before frying.
Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients: 3 tbsp dark soy sauce, 4 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sriracha, 2 tbsp lemon juice—which provide the signature sweet, spicy, and tangy coating that brings everything to life.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breast into thin, uniform strips. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Next, place the chicken in a large bowl and add the marinade ingredients: dark soy sauce, garlic and ginger paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Mixing this well lets the flavors soak in deeply. Let the chicken rest in the marinade for at least 10 minutes. Trust me, this step builds a flavor foundation you won’t want to skip.

Step 2: Make the Stir Fry Sauce

While the chicken marinates, combine the stir fry sauce ingredients—honey, lemon juice, dark soy sauce, and sriracha—in a small bowl. Setting this aside allows the flavors to meld and prepares you for the quick cooking steps ahead.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken for Crispiness

Once marinated, add an egg white to the chicken strips and mix well. This sticky binder will help the cornflour adhere perfectly. Pour in the cornflour gradually, stirring to ensure each piece is fully coated. You want an even layer to create that coveted crunch when frying.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Twice for Ultimate Crispiness

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan to about 180°C. Fry the chicken strips in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until they start to turn golden. Remove them and then fry all pieces again for 2 to 3 minutes—this second frying gives the chicken its irresistible crunch without drying it out. It’s a game-changer for the texture.

Step 5: Make the Sauce and Combine

In a clean pan, heat a tablespoon of oil and fry the garlic and ginger paste for a quick 5 to 10 seconds to release their aroma. Add your prepared stir fry sauce ingredients and stir continuously for about 30 seconds until the sauce thickens slightly. Toss the crispy chicken into this sauce, coating every piece evenly. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped spring onions for a fresh and vibrant touch.

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of chopped spring onions adds a lovely brightness and mild crunch that complements the saucy chicken perfectly. You could also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds to introduce a nutty note and extra texture.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice or fried rice to soak up all that glorious sauce. Crispy chilli chicken also works well alongside stir-fried vegetables or a simple Asian-inspired slaw to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the crispy chilli chicken in lettuce cups for a hand-held treat or pile it over noodles tossed with a little sesame oil and scallions. You can even turn it into a filling for wraps or bao buns to impress guests at your next party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover crispy chilli chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the chicken crispy, it’s best to separate the chicken from the sauce and combine them just before reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, freeze the cooked chicken and the sauce separately in airtight containers. Frozen chicken strips maintain their quality best if used within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in a hot oven or in a skillet to help regain that crispy texture instead of microwaving which tends to make it soggy. Warm the sauce gently on the stove and then toss together before serving to maintain maximum flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving when frying. Just make sure to cut them into evenly sized strips and adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

What if I don’t have cornflour? Can I use regular flour?

Cornflour is best for that extra crispiness and light coating on this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe. If unavailable, rice flour is a good substitute. Regular flour works but may not produce as light a crunch.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat level?

The heat mainly comes from the sriracha in the stir fry sauce. You can reduce or omit it if you prefer a milder version. Alternatively, add some chopped fresh chilies or chili flakes if you want it extra hot.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free soy sauce and confirm that your cornflour is gluten-free, this recipe can be made gluten-free. Always double-check your ingredients if sensitive.

Can I prepare the marinade and chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This actually deepens the flavor but avoid marinating longer than that as the texture can start to change.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. It hits all the right notes with its satisfying crunch, bold flavors, and that perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Give it a go in your kitchen—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and exciting every time.