Crispy Chilli Chicken: A Spicy and Flavorful Stir-Fry

Craving a spicy, crispy, and savory chicken dish? This Crispy Chilli Chicken is the perfect homemade Chinese stir-fry recipe that will tantalize your taste buds! Packed with vibrant flavors, a crispy chicken coating, and a spicy chili garlic sauce, this dish will make you feel like you’re enjoying takeout, but with the comfort of homemade goodness.

If you’re in the mood for more homemade Chinese food recipes, don’t forget to check out our Homemade Chinese Food Recipes Chicken for more tasty ideas!

Save

Why You’ll Love Crispy Chilli Chicken

Crispy Chilli Chicken is a perfect combination of textures and flavors. The chicken is coated in a crispy, crunchy batter, and then tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce that’s loaded with garlic and chili peppers. The result? A dish that’s both satisfying and full of bold, Asian-inspired flavors.

This spicy garlic chicken Chinese dish is incredibly versatile – you can adjust the spice level to your preference and make it as mild or fiery as you like. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it a great option for a busy weeknight or weekend dinner.

For more Asian-style spicy chicken recipes, check out our Mapo Tofu for a delicious, bold flavor combo!

Who This Recipe Is For

This crispy chilli chicken recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a little heat in their meals and enjoys the bold flavors of Chinese cooking recipes. Whether you’re craving a homemade version of your favorite takeout dish or looking for a delicious way to spice up dinner, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

It’s ideal for:

• Fans of wok-cooked chicken dishes
• Those who love spicy garlic chicken Chinese
• People who are looking to make homemade Chinese food in their kitchen
• Anyone looking for a tasty Chinese cooking recipe that’s easy to make

For more homemade Chinese food, visit our Chinese Cooking Recipes section for more inspiration!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This crispy chilli chicken recipe requires simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store or Asian market. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the chicken:

• 500g (about 1 lb) boneless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ cup cornflour (cornstarch)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 egg (beaten)
• Oil for frying

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 6-8 dried red chilies
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce (or more for extra spice)
• 1 teaspoon cornflour (cornstarch) mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For extra flavor, you can also add some spring onions (green onions) to garnish!

For more homemade Chinese food, check out our Homemade Chinese Stir-Fry Recipe for more delicious ideas!

Ingredient Notes and Variations

• Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe, as they are tender and easy to cut into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer extra-crispy chicken, you can use chicken with skin on.
• Chili sauce: The amount of chili sauce you use depends on your tolerance for spice. If you like it extra hot, feel free to add more chili sauce to the dish.
• Dried red chilies: These add heat and flavor, but if you’re not a fan of super-spicy food, you can skip them or use less.

For more spicy Chinese chicken recipes, check out our Spicy Garlic Chicken Chinese for another fiery favorite.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this crispy chilli chicken, you will need a few basic kitchen tools:

• A wok or large frying pan for cooking
• A mixing bowl for battering the chicken
• A slotted spoon or spider to remove the chicken from the oil
• A small bowl for making the sauce
• A saucepan for thickening the sauce

For more kitchen tools, check out our Kitchen Essentials page.

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken

Making crispy chilli chicken is easy! Just follow these simple steps to create a flavorful, spicy dish that will impress your family and friends.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the cornflour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the beaten egg to the mixture and stir until the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the batter.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and set it aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same wok or pan, add vegetable oil. Stir-fry the dried red chilies, garlic, and ginger for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and chili sauce. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Mix the cornflour and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the sauce and stir until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to ensure the sauce is well absorbed by the chicken.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the crispy chilli chicken to a serving plate and garnish with chopped spring onions for added freshness and crunch. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

For more Chinese cooking recipes, check out our Chinese Cooking Recipes for more Asian-inspired dishes!

Save

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Chilli Chicken

• Double-fry the chicken: For extra crispiness, fry the chicken twice—once until lightly golden, and then again for a few extra minutes to get a super-crispy texture.
• Use fresh ginger and garlic: Freshly minced ginger and garlic bring a more vibrant flavor to the dish.
• Customize the sauce: Adjust the amount of chili sauce and sugar based on your personal preference for heat and sweetness.

For more homemade Chinese food recipes, try our Mapo Tofu for a delicious, hearty dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: When frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to ensure the chicken crisps up properly.
• Not allowing the oil to heat up: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Not thickening the sauce properly: Be sure to use the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. This will help coat the chicken and create that perfect texture.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy Chilli Chicken can be served in a variety of ways:

• With rice: Pair it with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice for a complete meal.
• On noodles: Serve the chicken over a bed of noodles like lo mein or rice noodles for a delicious, hearty dish.
• With a side of vegetables: Pair it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas for added color and nutrition.

For more homemade Chinese food, check out our Mapo Tofu for another flavorful dish.

Creative Presentation Ideas

• Serve in a bowl: For an elegant touch, serve the crispy chilli chicken in a deep bowl with rice or noodles underneath, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro.
• Skewer the chicken: For a fun twist, serve the chicken on skewers for a more casual presentation.

For more wok-cooked chicken dishes, check out our Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables for another flavorful option.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

• Add more vegetables: Add bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the sauce for more color and crunch.
• Use different proteins: While this recipe calls for chicken, you can use shrimp, tofu, or beef as an alternative protein.

For more Chinese stir-fry recipes, try our Kung Pao Chicken.

How to Store and Reheat

This crispy chilli chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or stir-fry it in a pan for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can make the chicken batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just fry the chicken and make the sauce when you’re ready to serve.

For more Chinese cooking recipes, visit our Chinese Cooking Recipes page!

Save

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They’ll be slightly juicier and more flavorful.

Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes! You can reduce the amount of chili sauce and dried chilies if you prefer a milder version of the dish.

Can I make this dish in advance?
For the best texture, it’s recommended to serve this dish immediately. However, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts: Why Crispy Chilli Chicken Is a Must-Try

This crispy chilli chicken recipe is a perfect combination of crunch, spice, and savory goodness. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, it’s sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this homemade Chinese stir-fry recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.

For more Chinese cooking recipes, don’t forget to check out our Homemade Chinese Food.

Call to Action – Share and Subscribe

If you loved this recipe, share it with your friends and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious and easy recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

Print