Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that’s a little indulgent and totally irresistible, Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken was made for you! Imagine golden-crisp chicken strips blanketed in a sticky, tangy, and sweet-heat sauce, finished with a flurry of fresh spring onions—this is the dish you’ll make on repeat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken comes from a handful of well-chosen staples. Each ingredient is thoughtfully selected—from the chicken breast to the glossy finishing sauce—to deliver bold flavor, irresistible crunch, and wild color in every bite.

• Chicken Breast: Cut into thin strips for quick, even cooking and juicy results.
• Cornflour (Cornstarch): The secret to that ultra-crispy coating—make sure each strip is well-dusted!
• Egg White: Helps the cornflour cling and adds lightness to the batter.
• Garlic and Ginger Paste: Fresh, punchy aromatics layered into both the marinade and sauce for optimal flavor.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Adds deep savory undertones and a beautiful glossy color.
• Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle delivers that unmistakable nutty aroma.
• Sugar: For a subtle touch of sweetness and to balance the heat.
• White Pepper: Slightly floral and peppery—so different from black pepper!
• Honey: Makes the sauce luxuriously sticky and sweet.
• Sriracha: Brings the bright, zippy spice—adjust to your preferred heat level!
• Lemon Juice: A splash of citrus lifts the whole dish and keeps the sauce from feeling heavy.
• Spring Onions: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh pop of color and crunch.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying—choose a neutral oil that can handle high heat.

Variations

One of the beauties of making Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken at home is just how easy it is to tailor to your own mood, dietary needs, or whatever’s hanging out in your fridge. Feel free to get creative and make this dish entirely your own!

• Swap in Chicken Thigh: If you want even juicier bites, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs—they stay tender and flavor-packed after frying.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute firm tofu or cauliflower florets for chicken for a plant-powered version that’s still super crispy and delicious.
• Spicier Kick: Double the Sriracha, sprinkle in red chilli flakes, or toss in a handful of sliced fresh chillies for true fire-breathers!
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check that your cornflour is certified gluten-free.

How to Make Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken

Step 1: Slice and Marinate the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin, bite-sized strips—this ensures they’ll cook quickly and soak up plenty of flavor. Place the chicken into a large bowl and mix in dark soy sauce, garlic and ginger paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Let the mixture marinate for at least 10 minutes; this brief pause infuses the meat with savory flavor and keeps it juicy.

Step 2: Stir Together the Chilli Sauce

While the chicken is getting happy in its marinade, whisk together your stir fry sauce—honey, dark soy sauce, Sriracha, and lemon juice—in a small bowl. This sauce will eventually coat your crispy chicken in sweet, fiery, sticky goodness, so have it ready to go.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Egg White and Cornflour

Next, add an egg white to the marinated chicken and mix thoroughly. Then add the cornflour, stirring until every piece is evenly coated—if things get clumpy, separate the strips before frying. This step is critical for achieving that signature crunch on your Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken!

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Twice for Maximum Crisp

Heat up your vegetable oil in a wok or deep frying pan to about 180°C. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, then remove them to a wire rack or paper-towel-lined plate. Once all pieces are cooked, give them a second fry for 2-3 minutes—this double fry technique is what creates that ultra-crispy shell you’ll dream about for days.

Step 5: Make the Chilli Sauce and Toss It All Together

In a clean pan, heat a tablespoon of oil and briefly fry a bit more garlic and ginger paste for 5-10 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in your prepared stir fry sauce and cook, stirring, until it thickens into a luscious, shiny glaze. Add the fried chicken pieces back to the pan and toss everything until those crispy morsels are thoroughly coated and glistening.

Step 6: Finish with Spring Onions and Serve

Straight from the pan, pile the Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken onto a platter and finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped spring onions—they add crunch, color, and that classic takeaway touch. Serve immediately for maximum wow factor!

How to Serve Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken

Garnishes

A proper flourish of thinly sliced spring onions is a classic move, and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh red chilli takes the presentation (and taste!) up another notch. If you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of fresh coriander or even a dusting of crushed peanuts can make each mouthful even more exciting.

Side Dishes

This dish is a total showstopper with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, egg fried rice, or a tangle of simple stir-fried noodles. For something lighter, serve Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken alongside crisp Asian slaw or garlicky stir-fried greens to balance the heat and richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, pile the chicken high on a vibrant platter and nestle in some fresh lime wedges for squeezing. For a party, try serving in lettuce cups or on mini skewers—turning this takeaway classic into a finger-food favorite. Even as a bowl meal over rice with extra veggies, Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken always looks gorgeous!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The crispy coating will soften as it sits, but the flavors deepen and meld in the most delicious way—perfect for a next-day lunch!

Freezing

While the chicken is best enjoyed freshly fried, you can freeze cooked (unsauced) chicken strips in a single layer, then reheat and toss with sauce when ready to serve. This helps maintain maximum crunch while still allowing for make-ahead convenience.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to revive the exterior crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make the coating go a little soggy—but the flavors will still shine!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you love big flavors and crave the satisfying crunch of a perfect takeaway-style treat, you simply have to try making Chinese Crispy Chilli Chicken at home. Grab your ingredients, crank up your favorite playlist, and get ready for happy faces around the table—this recipe is pure joy in every bite!

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