Name: Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 300 g Chicken Breast; 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce; 1 tbsp Garlic And Ginger Paste; 1 tsp Sesame Oil; 1 tsp Sugar; 1 tsp White Pepper; 3 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce; 4 tbsp Honey; 1 tbsp Sriracha; 2 tbsp Lemon Juice; 100 g Cornflour (Add More If Needed); 1 Egg White; 2 Spring Onions; Vegetable Oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 30 reviews

If you’re ready to recreate your favorite Chinese takeaway at home, this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is the answer to your cravings. Imagine golden, intensely crunchy strips of chicken tossed in a glossy, sticky-sweet, and subtly spicy sauce, sprinkled with fresh spring onions for a pop of color and zing. It’s quick, easy to pull together, and unbelievably satisfying—the perfect homemade treat for any day of the week. You’ll never look at takeout the same way!

Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe is in the balance—every ingredient has a role, whether it’s bringing crunch, aroma, or that signature fiery-sweet glaze. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters.

Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, chicken breast slices fry up beautifully crisp while staying juicy inside.
Cornflour: Essential for that irresistible outer crunch—don’t be shy with it!
Garlic and Ginger Paste: These two are a flavor power couple, adding punch and fragrance to both the marinade and the sauce.
Egg White: Helps the cornflour stick, creating a crisp, light coating around every piece.
Spring Onions: For a fresh, peppery kick and a vibrant green finish (don’t skip the garnish).
Vegetable Oil: You need a neutral oil with a high smoke point for deep-frying the chicken to perfection.
Dark Soy Sauce: Brings deep savory flavor and an appetizing color to both marinade and sauce.
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way—a nutty finish that immediately says “Asian cuisine.”
Sugar: Balances heat and savoriness, caramelizes in the sauce for shine and depth.
White Pepper: Adds gentle heat and a hint of aromatic spice distinct from black pepper.
Honey: Gives the sauce its signature sticky sweetness and beautiful glaze.
Sriracha: For the perfect amount of bold, tangy heat in every bite.
Lemon Juice: Lifts the sauce with a splash of brightness, keeping things balanced and fresh.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Slice and Marinate the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breast into thin, even strips—this guarantees speedy cooking and the crispiest results. Pop them in a large mixing bowl and toss with the marinade ingredients: dark soy sauce, garlic and ginger paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Let everything sit for at least 10 minutes; this quick soak infuses flavor and keeps the meat juicy.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, whisk honey, lemon juice, dark soy sauce, and sriracha together in a small bowl. This is your magic sweet-tangy-spicy glaze that’ll coat the chicken, so make sure you have it ready before you start frying.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Mix one egg white into the marinated chicken to make it even stickier, then add plenty of cornflour. Get in there with your hands (it’s fun!) and coat every piece thoroughly for that shatteringly crisp shell. If pieces start clumping, separate and re-coat individually.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Twice

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan to 180°C. Carefully place the chicken strips in hot oil, frying in batches for just 1–2 minutes at first. Once all are golden, fry them again for another 2–3 minutes. This double-fry method guarantees an ultra-crispy bite that won’t go soggy in the sauce.

Step 5: Toss in the Sticky Chilli Sauce

In a clean pan, heat a touch of oil and flash-fry more garlic and ginger paste for 5–10 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in your prepared sauce, bubbling and stirring for about 30 seconds until it’s glossy and thickened. Toss in your crispy chicken, stirring to coat every piece with that irresistible sticky chilli glaze.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Immediately scatter chopped spring onions over the hot chicken and serve—it’s best while sizzling fresh. Now you’re ready to dive into your homemade Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe, no delivery required.

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Sprinkle over freshly sliced spring onions for crunch and pop, or try sesame seeds for a toasty twist. Thin slices of red chilli or a light shower of cilantro can add even more color and zing to each serving.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with soft, steamed jasmine or basmati rice—it helps soak up any extra sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, a simple veggie stir fry or garlicky green beans will turn dinner into a full feast. Egg fried rice or noodles are also classic partners.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken on a vibrant platter, maybe nestled atop a fresh bed of greens for a lighter twist. If you’re prepping for a party, skewer small pieces and arrange them as finger food with an extra drizzle of sauce. For a modern touch, pile the chicken high and top with microgreens or edible flowers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra chicken refrigerated in an airtight container. It’s best to store the sauce and chicken separately if possible, as this keeps things crispier. Consume within two days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

While the best crunch comes fresh, you can freeze the cooked and cooled chicken (without the sauce) in a freezer bag for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and saucing.

Reheating

To restore that crave-worthy crispness, reheat chicken pieces in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes. Microwaving will soften the coating, so the oven truly delivers the best texture. Warm up the sauce separately and toss together just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for the Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and richness. Just slice them thinly and follow the same marinating, coating, and frying steps.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce and double-check that your cornflour is certified gluten-free. Everything else remains the same, so you won’t miss a bite.

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

You can bake the chicken at 200°C for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The pieces won’t be quite as crispy as frying, but it’s a lighter alternative that still tastes great.

How spicy is the Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe?

The recipe has a pleasant kick but isn’t overpowering. If you prefer more or less heat, simply adjust the amount of sriracha or add fresh red chilli to taste.

What’s the secret to making sure the chicken stays crispy?

The real trick is in the double frying—one quick fry to cook and set the coating, then a second round to achieve that enduring crunch. Keeping the sauce and chicken separate until the last moment also helps prevent sogginess.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this show-stopping Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe at home, you’ll never pine for the takeaway version again! Give it a go, customize it to your tastes, and enjoy the pure joy of crunching into every sticky, sizzling bite—you might just find yourself making it on repeat.