Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Chilli Chicken is a popular and flavorful dish that features tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a savory, spicy, and tangy sauce. This Indo-Chinese dish strikes the perfect balance between heat, sweetness, and umami, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or as a special treat for your family. With its crunchy texture and bold flavor profile, Crispy Chilli Chicken has become a beloved favorite in many households, whether it’s served as an appetizer or a main course.

What makes this recipe special is its combination of crispy chicken with a rich, saucy glaze that packs a punch. The crispy exterior adds a satisfying crunch, while the sauce coats the chicken in a spicy, garlicky, and slightly tangy layer. Perfectly paired with steamed rice, noodles, or simply enjoyed on its own, this dish is sure to leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting your culinary journey, this Crispy Chilli Chicken recipe is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Chilli Chicken

• Bold and Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, vinegar, green chilies, and spices creates a rich, umami-packed sauce that infuses the crispy chicken with bold flavors. The dish strikes the perfect balance between spicy, sweet, and tangy.
• Crispy and Tender: The crispy outer layer of the chicken provides a satisfying crunch, while the tender chicken inside remains juicy and moist. This contrast in textures makes each bite a delicious experience.
• Quick and Easy: With a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you can whip up this dish in under an hour. The recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or gatherings where you need a quick and delicious dish.
• Customizable: Whether you like your food mild or spicy, this dish is fully customizable. You can adjust the level of heat and sweetness to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Sharing: Crispy Chilli Chicken is an ideal dish for family dinners, parties, or any social event. Its shareable nature makes it a great addition to any meal spread.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion size and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 18-22g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed for batter)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or sunflower oil works well)

For the Chilli Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water to form a slurry
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken for Frying

Start by cutting the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces. For extra tender and juicy chicken, chicken thighs work really well, but boneless chicken breasts can also be used.

In a large bowl, combine the cornflour, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Gradually add water to form a smooth batter that coats the chicken pieces. The consistency of the batter should be thick enough to stick to the chicken but not too runny.

Once the batter is ready, add the chicken pieces into the bowl and coat them evenly with the batter. Allow the chicken to sit for a few minutes so that the batter sticks well to the pieces.

2. Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a large pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. You need enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces and achieve that crispy texture. Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready), carefully drop the battered chicken pieces into the oil in batches.

Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken pieces and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Repeat this process for the remaining chicken pieces.

3. Prepare the Chilli Sauce

While the chicken is frying, you can prepare the chilli sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Next, add the slit green chilies and chopped onions. Stir-fry the onions until they turn translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. If you’re using bell pepper, add it at this point and sauté for another minute.

Now, add the soy sauce, vinegar, tomato ketchup, chili sauce, and sugar. Stir everything well to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Once the sauce has simmered, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry (the mixture of cornstarch and water). Stir continuously to avoid lumps, and cook the sauce until it thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or additional chili sauce, if needed.

4. Combine the Chicken with the Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, add the crispy chicken pieces to the pan. Toss the chicken gently in the sauce to coat each piece evenly. Be careful not to break the crispy coating. You want the chicken to stay crispy while absorbing the flavor of the sauce.

Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak in the sauce without losing its crunch.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is coated in the sauce and heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a fresh, aromatic finish. Serve the Crispy Chilli Chicken hot, ideally with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Chilli Chicken

• Use Cold Water for the Batter: To get the crispiest coating, make sure you use cold water when preparing the batter. Cold batter results in a crispier texture when fried.
• Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying the chicken. Frying in batches ensures that each piece gets crispy and doesn’t become soggy.
• Adjust the Spice Level: You can control the heat of the dish by adjusting the number of green chilies or chili sauce used. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the number of chilies or omit the chili sauce altogether.
• Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Cornstarch plays a key role in creating that light, crispy coating. Don’t substitute it with flour, as it won’t give the same texture.
• Make the Sauce to Your Preference: If you like a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar a little. If you prefer more tang, add extra vinegar or lemon juice to balance out the flavors.

Variations of Crispy Chilli Chicken

• Crispy Chilli Paneer: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Follow the same battering and frying process for the paneer cubes, and then toss them in the chilli sauce for a delicious meat-free option.
• Spicy Garlic Chilli Chicken: Add extra garlic to the sauce for a more pronounced garlic flavor. You can also increase the chili sauce or add red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
• Crispy Chilli Chicken with Cashews: Add some roasted cashew nuts to the sauce just before serving. The cashews add a crunchy texture and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the spicy chicken.
• Crispy Chilli Chicken with Vegetables: Add more vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or baby corn to the sauce for extra crunch and nutrition. Stir-fry the vegetables with the onions and chilies before adding the sauce.
• Honey Chilli Chicken: Add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce for a sweet contrast to the spiciness. This variation is perfect if you like a combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Storage and Shelf Life

Crispy Chilli Chicken is best enjoyed fresh and hot, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes to retain some of its crispiness.

Reheating in the microwave can make the chicken soggy, so it’s best to avoid that if possible. You can also re-fry the leftover chicken for a few minutes to bring back some of the crunch.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Crispy Chilli Chicken

• Steamed Rice: A classic side that pairs perfectly with the bold and spicy Crispy Chilli Chicken. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce, making each bite even more flavorful.
• Fried Rice: For a complete meal, serve the chicken with fried rice, which complements the dish with its savory flavor.
• Noodles: Stir-fried noodles or Hakka noodles are an excellent pairing with Crispy Chilli Chicken. The noodles add a satisfying texture and soak up the sauce.
• Cucumber Salad: A fresh, crunchy cucumber salad with a light dressing can help balance out the heat of the dish and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Garlic Bread: If you want to indulge, serve garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for mopping up the spicy sauce.

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Conclusion

Crispy Chilli Chicken is a flavorful, spicy, and crispy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a party, this dish will impress everyone with its bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Easy to make and customizable to suit your tastes, Crispy Chilli Chicken is a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a deliciously crispy, tangy, and spicy treat!