Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Crispy Chilli Chicken recipe that’s packed with bold flavors and satisfying crunch. This easy-to-follow recipe features tender chicken breast marinated in a savory soy sauce blend, then coated in cornflour for that irresistible crispy texture. Perfect for serving over rice or enjoying on its own, this dish will satisfy your cravings for Asian-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 300 g chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 100 g cornflour (adjust as needed)
- 1 tsp garlic and ginger paste
- 1 egg white
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp white pepper
- For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 4 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with the marinade ingredients: dark soy sauce, garlic and ginger paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Allow the mixture to rest for at least 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce:
- In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the stir fry sauce ingredients: honey, lemon juice, dark soy sauce, and Sriracha. Set aside for later use.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Add the egg white to the marinated chicken and mix thoroughly. Gradually add the cornflour, ensuring each piece of chicken is well coated.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan to 180°C (350°F). Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove and let them rest. Return the chicken to the oil and fry again for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a clean pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger paste, frying for 5 to 10 seconds. Pour in the prepared stir fry sauce and stir for about 30 seconds until it thickens.
- Combine:
- Add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss well in the sauce until evenly coated. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped spring onions.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Chilli Chicken is a delightful combination of crunchy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s quick to make, perfect for weeknight dinners, and packed with flavor. The balance of honey and Sriracha creates a deliciously addictive dish that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.
Tips
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve maximum crispiness.
- For extra crunch, consider double frying the chicken.
- Adjust the level of Sriracha based on your spice preference.
Variations and Substitutions
- Chicken: Substitute with tofu for a vegetarian option or use shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Sauce: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or sweet and sour for varied flavors.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers or broccoli to the stir-fry for added nutrition.
FAQs
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a few hours ahead of time or even overnight for deeper flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce and cornflour.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
While frying gives the chicken its signature crispiness, you can bake it at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, but the texture may differ.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Crispy Chilli Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, and pair it with a fresh salad or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and extra spring onions for garnish!
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