Crispy Chilli Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines the crunch of perfectly fried chicken with a spicy, flavorful sauce. This dish is not only an exciting appetizer but also makes for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Whether hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, Crispy Chilli Chicken is sure to impress with its bold flavors and delightful texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe can be made in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, chili sauce, and soy sauce creates a rich, savory flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as an appetizer, main course, or even snack; this dish suits any occasion!
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its crunchy texture and spicy kick, Crispy Chilli Chicken is sure to be a hit at parties and gatherings.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili sauce to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience. Having everything ready will make preparing Crispy Chilli Chicken smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large deep skillet or fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Large deep skillet or fryer: Essential for frying the chicken evenly and achieving that perfect crispiness.
- Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk: Helps blend the egg mixture smoothly for coating the chicken properly.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup cold water
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons red chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water until smooth. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture first, then coat them with the flour mixture to ensure they are evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large deep skillet or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes each batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a separate pan, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in red chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the crispy chicken into the sauce and toss well to coat evenly. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot while it’s still crunchy! Enjoy this delightful dish packed with flavor!
How to Serve Crispy Chilli Chicken
Crispy Chilli Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish and impress your guests.
As an Appetizer
- Start the meal off right by serving small portions of Crispy Chilli Chicken as a finger food. Pair it with toothpicks for easy eating.
With Rice or Noodles
- Serve the crispy chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or toss it with noodles for a hearty main course. The sauce complements both beautifully.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a fresh twist, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves. This adds crunch and a healthy element to your meal while keeping it fun to eat.
On Skewers
- Skewer pieces of crispy chicken for a delightful presentation. These make great appetizers at parties and are easy for guests to grab.
With Dipping Sauces
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or even sriracha. This allows guests to customize their flavor experience.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Enhance the visual appeal by garnishing with fresh cilantro or basil. This not only adds color but also freshness that balances the spiciness.
How to Perfect Crispy Chilli Chicken
To achieve the ultimate Crispy Chilli Chicken, consider these essential tips for perfecting your dish every time.
- Use cold water: A cold water batter helps create a light and crispy texture when frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
- Double fry for extra crunch: For an even crispier result, fry the chicken twice—once for cooking and again for crisping up.
- Let it drain: After frying, let the chicken sit on paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain its crunchiness.
- Adjust spice levels: Tailor the heat by adjusting the amount of red chili sauce in the recipe to suit your preference.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your Crispy Chilli Chicken fresh out of the pan for the best flavor and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Crispy Chilli Chicken
Crispy Chilli Chicken pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that enhance its flavor profile. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Fried Rice: A classic choice with vegetables and eggs mixed in, providing a filling complement to the spicy chicken.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Quick-cooked veggies like bell peppers and broccoli add color and nutrition to your meal.
- Spring Rolls: These crunchy rolls offer a delightful contrast to the soft chicken, filled with vegetables and sometimes shrimp.
- Garlic Noodles: Flavorful noodles tossed in garlic butter make for an indulgent side that perfectly balances spice.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with cucumbers, vinegar, and sesame oil helps cool down the heat from the chicken.
- Steamed Dumplings: These savory bites can be filled with pork or vegetables, adding another layer of texture to your meal.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting addition that complements Asian flavors beautifully.
- Chili Garlic Bread: For bread lovers, this spicy garlic bread can be an exciting way to enjoy every last bit of sauce from your chicken dish!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crispy Chilli Chicken, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the texture and flavor of your dish.
- Using too much batter: If you overcoat the chicken, it can become soggy instead of crispy. Ensure an even, light coating for perfect crunch.
- Not heating the oil properly: Cooking in oil that isn’t hot enough will result in greasy chicken. Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 350°F (175°C).
- Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature. Cook in batches for optimal crispiness.
- Skipping the sauce adjustments: The sauce should match your spice preference. Always taste and adjust the chili sauce for your desired heat level.
- Not letting chicken drain properly: Skipping this step can lead to oily chicken. Use paper towels to absorb excess oil after frying.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store leftover Crispy Chilli Chicken in an airtight container.
- item It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days for best freshness.
Freezing Crispy Chilli Chicken
- item Freeze the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag.
- item It will last up to 2 months in the freezer but may lose some crispiness when reheated.
Reheating Crispy Chilli Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may result in a less crispy texture.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Sauté until warm and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Chilli Chicken?
Crispy Chilli Chicken is a flavorful dish made with tender pieces of chicken coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in a spicy garlic chili sauce.
How do I make my Crispy Chilli Chicken extra crunchy?
To enhance crunchiness, ensure your chicken is well-coated and fry it at the correct temperature. Also, allow it to drain on paper towels after frying.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for different variations of this delicious dish while keeping the recipe intact.
What are good side dishes with Crispy Chilli Chicken?
Crispy Chilli Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How do I adjust the spice level in Crispy Chilli Chicken?
To control spice levels, adjust the amount of red chili sauce you add to the dish. Start with less and increase according to your taste preference.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chilli Chicken is not only delightful but also versatile. It’s perfect as an appetizer or main course! Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting spice levels based on your preferences. Enjoy making this crispy delight!
Crispy Chilli Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Crispy Chilli Chicken is a tantalizing dish that perfectly marries crunchy fried chicken with a spicy garlic sauce, making it an ideal choice for appetizers or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup cold water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 tablespoons red chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk the egg with cold water.
- Dip chicken pieces into the egg mix then coat with the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
- In another pan, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Cook until slightly thickened.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until well coated. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 5 pieces (150g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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