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Crispy Chilli Chicken: A Takeaway Classic Made Easy at Home

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Skip the takeout and make your own Crispy Chilli Chicken with this easy, beginner-friendly recipe! Perfectly crispy chicken tossed in a bold, sweet, and spicy sauce—better than your favorite restaurant!

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 300g chicken breast (cut into thin strips)
  • 100g cornflour (add more if needed)
  • 1 egg white
  • 2 spring onions (chopped for garnish)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Marinade

  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon garlic and ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper

For the Stir-Fry Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust based on spice preference)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

  1. Slice the chicken breast into thin strips. The thinner the strips, the crispier they will become when fried.
  2. Place the chicken strips into a large mixing bowl and add the marinade ingredients: dark soy sauce, garlic and ginger paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Mix well to ensure each piece of chicken is coated evenly. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Making the Stir-Fry Sauce

  1. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine honey, lemon juice, dark soy sauce, and sriracha. Mix well and set aside for later use.

Step 3: Coating the Chicken

  1. After marinating, add an egg white to the chicken and mix well. This helps the coating stick to the chicken.
  2. Gradually add cornflour to the bowl, mixing continuously until every piece of chicken is coated evenly. The chicken should have a dry, powdery coating before frying.

Step 4: Frying the Chicken

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok to 180°C (350°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount of cornflour into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
  2. Fry the chicken in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until light golden brown. Remove and place on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
  3. For extra crispiness, fry the chicken a second time for 2 to 3 minutes until deep golden brown. This double-frying technique ensures a crunchier texture.

Step 5: Making the Sauce and Combining

  1. In a clean pan, heat one tablespoon of oil. Add a small amount of garlic and ginger paste and fry for 5 to 10 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the stir-fry sauce mixture and stir continuously for about 30 seconds, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until evenly coated.
  4. Sprinkle with chopped spring onions and serve immediately.

Notes

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

  • Chicken is not crispy enough: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. Also, do not overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature and result in soggy chicken.
  • Sauce is too runny: Let the sauce simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, add a teaspoon of cornflour mixed with water to help it thicken.
  • Chicken browns too quickly: The oil may be too hot. Reduce the heat slightly and fry in smaller batches.

Kitchen Tips for Efficiency

  • Prep everything before you start: Cut and marinate the chicken, mix the sauce, and chop the spring onions before turning on the heat. This makes the cooking process smoother.
  • Use a thermometer if possible: Keeping the oil at a consistent 180°C ensures the best crispiness without burning the chicken.
  • Work in batches: If making a larger quantity, fry in small batches to maintain the best texture.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
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