Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Are you in the mood for something crispy, spicy, and utterly delicious? Look no further than our Crispy Chilli Chicken recipe. This dish combines succulent chicken pieces with a fiery, flavorful sauce, all wrapped up in a satisfyingly crispy coating. Follow our detailed guide to create this mouthwatering dish that will surely be a hit at your next meal.

What is Crispy Chilli Chicken?

Crispy Chilli Chicken is a popular Asian-inspired dish known for its crunchy texture and spicy, tangy sauce. The chicken is typically coated in a seasoned batter, fried until golden and crispy, and then tossed in a vibrant chilli sauce that packs a punch. This dish is perfect for those who love bold flavors and a bit of heat.

Ingredients List for Crispy Chilli Chicken

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: 1 pound, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Cornstarch: 1 cup
• All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
• Eggs: 2, beaten
• Vegetable Oil: for frying

For the Chilli Sauce:

• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced
• Red Bell Pepper: 1, diced
• Green Bell Pepper: 1, diced
• Red Chilies: 2, sliced
• Soy Sauce: ¼ cup
• Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
• Honey: 2 tablespoons
• Tomato Ketchup: ¼ cup
• Chilli Paste: 1-2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• Green Onions: ¼ cup, sliced for garnish
• Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier alternative.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Different Peppers: Adjust the type and amount of peppers based on your heat preference.
• Sweeter Sauce: Add more honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Coating: In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then coat them thoroughly in the flour mixture.
2. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant. Add the diced red and green bell peppers and sliced red chilies, cooking until they start to soften.
4. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, tomato ketchup, and chilli paste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce, tossing to coat them evenly.
7. Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

How to Cook Crispy Chilli Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Coating

In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create the crispy coating for the chicken. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating.

Step 2: Frying the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the chicken until it is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the fried chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 3: Preparing the Sauce

In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until they are fragrant but not burnt. Add the diced red and green bell peppers along with the sliced red chilies, cooking until the peppers start to soften.

Step 4: Mixing the Sauce Ingredients

Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, tomato ketchup, and chilli paste. Mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Thickening the Sauce

Prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add this slurry to the sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Combining Chicken and Sauce

Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce until it is well-coated and evenly distributed.

Step 7: Serving

Garnish the Crispy Chilli Chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure it cooks evenly and stays crispy.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so sauté it over medium heat and watch it closely.
• Sauce Consistency: Make sure the sauce thickens properly by using a cornstarch slurry and simmering it until it reaches the right consistency.
• Soggy Chicken: To keep the chicken crispy, add it to the sauce just before serving.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Serve with Rice: Pair the Crispy Chilli Chicken with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
• Add a Salad: A simple cucumber salad with a tangy dressing complements the spicy chicken well.
• Noodle Option: Serve over a bed of stir-fried noodles for a different take.

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Chicken

Serve the Crispy Chilli Chicken in a large, shallow dish to showcase the vibrant colors and crispy texture. Ensure each serving includes a generous amount of the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with a side of rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Crispy Chilli Chicken

• Garnish Generously: Use sliced green onions and sesame seeds to add visual appeal.
• Colorful Veggies: Add extra bell peppers or carrots to the dish for a pop of color.
• Serve Family-Style: Present the dish on a large platter for a communal dining experience.

Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe Tips

• Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before coating and frying.
• Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: Fry the chicken twice to achieve an even crispier texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chilli paste and fresh chilies to your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken wings instead of breast or thigh pieces?

A: Yes, chicken wings work well for this recipe. Adjust the frying time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

Q: How do I keep the chicken crispy if I make it ahead of time?

A: To keep the chicken crispy, fry it and let it cool completely. Reheat it in a hot oven before tossing it in the sauce.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly fried chicken when ready to serve.

Q: What can I serve with Crispy Chilli Chicken?

A: This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried noodles. A simple green salad or cucumber salad also complements it nicely.

Q: How can I make this dish less spicy?

A: Reduce the amount of chilli paste and omit the fresh chilies. You can also add more honey or ketchup to balance the heat.

Conclusion

Crispy Chilli Chicken is a flavorful, spicy, and satisfying dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. With its crispy texture and bold sauce, this recipe is perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their meals. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this delicious dish and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Give it a try and delight in the explosion of flavors!

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