Crispy chicken drizzled with sweet and spicy sauce on a plate

Crispy Chicken with Sweet and Spicy Sauce

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Crispy Chicken with Sweet and Spicy Sauce is a simple yet delicious dish that brings amazing flavors together. It offers a perfect balance of crunchiness from the chicken and a sweet-spicy kick from the sauce. This recipe is excellent for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever you crave something tasty and satisfying.

How to Make Crispy Chicken with Sweet and Spicy Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1 pinch white pepper
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons chopped green onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 6 dried whole red chilies
  • 1 strip orange zest
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water

Directions:

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg. Add chicken, salt, sugar, and pepper; mix well. Gradually mix in cornstarch until chicken is well coated.
  3. In batches, carefully drop chicken pieces into hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Remove and let cool.
  4. Once all chicken is fried, refry the batches until deep golden brown, about 2 minutes more. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. To make the sauce, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir in green onion, garlic, whole chiles, and orange zest. Cook until garlic turns golden, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Add sugar, soy sauce, chicken broth, peanut oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger; bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes.
  7. Whisk cornstarch in water until dissolved, then stir into the boiling sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
  8. Stir in the fried chicken and reduce heat to low. Cook until chicken is heated through and has absorbed some sauce, about 3 minutes.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken with Sweet and Spicy Sauce

Serve the crispy chicken hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired. It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. This meal makes for a great centerpiece at any table.

How to Store Crispy Chicken with Sweet and Spicy Sauce

To store leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to retain the crispiness of the chicken.

Tips to Make Crispy Chicken with Sweet and Spicy Sauce

  • Make sure to heat the oil to the right temperature for frying to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
  • Use fresh chicken thighs for better flavor and juiciness.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar or chilies in the sauce based on your taste preference.

Variation

For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying. Simply coat the chicken with cornstarch and spices, then bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) until golden and cooked through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may differ.

2. What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with potato starch or all-purpose flour, but the texture may change slightly.

3. How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness depends on the amount of dried whole red chilies you use. For less heat, you can reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds.