Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken Recipe

why make this recipe

Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the crunchiness of perfectly fried chicken with the sweet and tangy flavors of a delicious sauce. It’s a fantastic meal for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Plus, this recipe is easy to make and will impress everyone at the table.

how to make Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken

Ingredients :

600 g (1 lb 5 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp sea salt flakes
½ tsp cracked black pepper
1 egg
½ cup (60 g) cornflour (cornstarch)
Oil, for frying (see note 1)
1 tsp freshly minced garlic
1 tsp freshly minced ginger
½ cup (125 ml) sweet chilli sauce
¼ cup (60 ml) tamari or all-purpose soy sauce
¼ cup (60 ml) rice wine vinegar, plain white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lime juice
Steamed rice
1 spring onion (scallion), finely sliced
1 tsp sesame seeds

Directions :

Place the chicken in a large bowl with the sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, egg, and cornflour. Mix the chicken well until the other ingredients form a paste around it. Set aside.
To make the sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large, deep, heavy-based frying pan. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes or until it is cooked through and golden all over, turning once halfway through. Set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Drain the oil from the frying pan and wipe the pan clean.
Heat the pan over medium-low heat and add the sauce. Stir for 2–3 minutes until the sauce begins to bubble gently and thicken. Turn the heat off and return the chicken to the pan, stirring so that it is evenly coated in the sauce.
Serve the chicken immediately, heaped on top of steamed rice. Top with finely sliced spring onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Optional: Add 1–2 tablespoons of boiling water (from the kettle) to the bottom of the pan once the chicken has been removed. Use a spoon to stir the water into the remaining sauce and pour this extra sauce over the completed dish.

Air fryer instructions:

For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the basket. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through. Once done, toss the chicken in the sauce as instructed above.

how to serve Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken

Serve your Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken piled high on a bed of steaming rice. This dish goes wonderfully with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh spring onion on top. It’s not just a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes.

how to store Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it in a pan or microwave until heated through.

tips to make Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken for that perfect crispiness.
Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. Fry in batches if needed to keep the oil temperature steady.
You can adjust the sweetness or spice of the sauce by adding more or less sweet chilli sauce or soy sauce.

variation

For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken in the oven instead of frying. Just coat the chicken, place it on a baking sheet, and bake at 200°C (390°F) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it is fully thawed and drained before coating it.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check the cornflour is gluten-free as well.

3. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add some chili flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the marinade or sauce to kick up the heat.