Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my ultimate comfort food: crispy chilli chicken! This dish is a flavor explosion that packs a spicy kick, and I just can’t get enough of it. The combination of tender chicken coated in a crunchy cornstarch layer and tossed with vibrant veggies makes my taste buds dance with joy. I remember the first time I made it—I was aiming for a quick dinner, and wow, I was blown away by how delicious it turned out! Trust me, once you try this crispy chilli chicken, it’ll become a regular on your dinner table. It’s perfect for impressing friends or simply enjoying a cozy night in. So, are you ready to dive into this irresistible dish? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up your crispy chilli chicken. It’s all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures!
- 500g chicken breast, diced: Use fresh chicken breast for the best texture. Cut it into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- 1 cup cornstarch: This is your secret weapon for that delightful crunch! Make sure to coat the chicken well.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: This adds depth and a savory umami flavor to the chicken while marinating.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Fresh ginger gives a warm, zesty kick that brightens the dish.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: You can never go wrong with garlic! It brings a wonderful aroma and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For frying! Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the best results.
- 2-3 green chilies, sliced: Adjust the quantity based on your heat preference—these bring the heat!
- 1 onion, chopped: A sweet onion adds texture and complements the spices beautifully.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Choose your favorite color! It adds a nice crunch and sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons chili sauce: This is what ties everything together. It adds a rich, spicy glaze that’s irresistible!
- Salt to taste: Don’t forget to season! A pinch here and there will enhance all those yummy flavors.
How to Prepare Crispy Chilli Chicken
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get down to the fun part—preparing this mouthwatering crispy chilli chicken! I promise it’s easier than it sounds, and the results will leave you craving more.
Marinate the Chicken
First things first, you’ll want to marinate the diced chicken breast. In a bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Give it a good mix and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial because the marinade infuses the chicken with amazing flavors, making every bite deliciously tender.
Dredge the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to dredge it in cornstarch. Take each piece of chicken and coat it thoroughly in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess. This creates that fabulous crispy layer when frying—trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Fry the Chicken
Now, let’s fry! In a large skillet or pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and let it drain on a paper towel.
Stir-Fry Vegetables
In the same pan, toss in the sliced green chilies, chopped onion, and bell pepper. Stir-fry these vibrant veggies for about 3-5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. This is where your kitchen will start smelling heavenly!
Combine and Serve
Finally, add the fried chicken back into the pan along with the chili sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is well coated and heated through—about 2 minutes should do it. Serve your crispy chilli chicken hot, maybe over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside noodles. Garnish with some extra green chilies or chopped scallions if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy every crispy, spicy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—dinner in under an hour!
- Bold and delicious flavors that will impress your family and friends.
- Crunchy texture from the cornstarch coating that adds a delightful contrast.
- Customizable heat level—adjust the chilies to suit your taste.
- Gluten-free option, making it suitable for a variety of diets.
- Perfect for meal prep—leftovers taste great the next day!
- One-pan dish, so cleanup is a breeze!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your crispy chilli chicken turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to avoid common pitfalls and elevate your dish:
- Don’t skip the marinating! It’s essential for flavor. If you can, marinate the chicken longer—up to 2 hours in the fridge really makes a difference!
- Coat thoroughly! Make sure every piece of chicken is well-covered in cornstarch. This is what gives you that gorgeous crunch, so don’t rush this step!
- Oil temperature matters. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy. Look for the oil to shimmer before adding the chicken, and adjust the heat as needed.
- Fry in batches. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Fry small batches to ensure each piece gets that crispy finish!
- Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and chili sauce at the end to get that flavor just right. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take it out!
- Let the chicken rest. After frying, allow the chicken to drain on paper towels for a minute to remove excess oil. This keeps it crispy!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the crispiest, most flavorful chilli chicken ever. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve enjoyed your delicious crispy chilli chicken, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To store them, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight to keep that flavor intact!
When it comes to reheating, I’ve got a little trick to keep that crunch alive. Instead of using a microwave, which can make the chicken soggy, pop it back in a skillet over medium heat. This will help restore the crispiness! Just heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through. Trust me, it’ll taste almost as good as when it was freshly made! Enjoy those leftovers just as much as the first time around!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional goodness packed into this crispy chilli chicken? Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated values per serving. Keep in mind that these numbers are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and how you prepare them.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
This dish is not only delicious but also provides a good amount of protein to keep you satisfied. Enjoy your meal knowing you’re indulging in something that’s both tasty and nourishing!
FAQ Section
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a delightful twist. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the number of green chilies or omit the chili sauce altogether. You can also balance the heat with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of yogurt when serving!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Just wait to fry and stir-fry the veggies before serving to keep everything fresh!
What can I serve with crispy chilli chicken?
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Is crispy chilli chicken gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, this dish is naturally gluten-free! Just check the labels to ensure all your ingredients meet your dietary needs.
Crispy Chilli Chicken: 5 Simple Steps to Deliciousness
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy chilli chicken is a flavorful dish with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2–3 green chilies, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chili sauce
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for 30 minutes.
- Dredge marinated chicken in cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken until golden brown.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add green chilies, onion, and bell pepper.
- Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.
- Add fried chicken and chili sauce. Mix well.
- Cook for another 2 minutes and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust chili quantity for desired spiciness.
- Serve with rice or noodles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: crispy chilli chicken
