Crispy Chilli Chicken
So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same.
Alas, you’ve landed in the right place because I’ve got just the thing for you: Crispy Chilli Chicken. It’s got those perfect crispy edges, a delightful kick of spice, and it doesn’t require you to have a Michelin star in your back pocket. Plus, it’s super satisfying to watch your friends’ faces light up when they take that first bite, wondering how you pulled this off. Spoiler alert: it’s easier than it looks. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Okay, let’s be real for a moment. What makes this crispy chilli chicken a top-shelf choice? Well, first off, it’s idiot-proof, even I didn’t mess it up. If I can manage to whip this up without turning my kitchen into a war zone, then you can too.
Also, you get crispy, juicy chicken that doesn’t quit. Every bite is a mini party in your mouth. And the best part? You can customize the spice level. Want it flaming hot? Go for it. Prefer it mild? No problem, my friend. This recipe is like that cool friend who’s always down for whatever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Grab your grocery list because it’s time to stock up. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 500g chicken breast – shredded, because we’re fancy like that
- 1 cup cornflour – a.k.a your crispy savior
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – for that salty goodness
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar – keeps things zingy
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce – because life is too short for boring flavor
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil – for frying, let’s keep it crispy
- 1-2 red chilies – chopped, spice it up, baby
- 2-3 spring onions – sliced, hello crunchiness
- Salt to taste – because, duh
- Pepper to taste – pretty please
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our goodies ready, let’s get cooking. Here’s how it goes:
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In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and salt. Let it hang out for about 30 minutes. Think of it as a chicken spa day.
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Dredge the marinated chicken in cornflour. Make sure it gets a good coat. This is what makes it crispy, so don’t skimp.
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Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Not too high or you’ll get an oil explosion—trust me, I’ve seen it.
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Fry the coated chicken until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it. Nothing says culinary disaster like burnt chicken.
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Remove chicken and set aside. You’ve done good so far. Celebrate with a quick happy dance if you like.
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In the same pan, add chopped chilies and spring onions, stir-frying for a minute. Let that aroma fill your kitchen and make you question why you don’t cook more often.
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Add the fried chicken back to the pan, along with hoisin sauce, and toss everything together until well combined. This is where the magic happens, my friend.
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Serve hot and enjoy your homemade crispy chilli chicken. Maybe pair it with a nice cold drink, if you’re feeling fancy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ah, the classic traps we all fall into. Here are some rookie mistakes to dodge:
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Ignoring the marination time. For crying out loud, don’t skip this step. Letting the chicken soak up all those flavors is critical.
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Using too much oil. Nobody wants an oily mess. Just enough to fry it up nice and crispy.
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Going crazy with the heat. Keep it at medium-high. Let’s avoid making a smoke signal for the neighbors, shall we?
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Not double-checking that your chicken is cooked through. You want crispy, not pink. We’re not cooking a fancy steak here.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Okay, let’s get creative. Here are some alternatives that still keep the dish fabulous:
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Don’t have chicken breast? No biggie. You can use chicken thighs for juicier goodness or even tofu if you want to keep it plant-based.
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Cornflour not in your pantry? Use regular flour, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try rice flour for an extra crisp.
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Can’t find hoisin sauce? Mix soy sauce with a bit of sugar and peanut butter. It’s not hoisin, but it’s still tasty.
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Prefer something milder? Use just a pinch of the chilies or leave them out. You do you, boo.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Alright, let’s answer some burning questions about this dish that you VERY likely didn’t even think to ask.
Can I use frozen chicken? Technically yes, but defrost it first unless you want to unlock that “chicken ice cube” experience.
Can I bake this instead of frying? Absolutely, but don’t expect the same crispness. It’s like wearing sneakers to a formal event—it just doesn’t have that wow factor.
What if I don’t have spring onions? Chop up regular onions and give them a quick sauté. Not the same, but they’ll still do the job.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? It’s not a crime, but come on.
How do I store leftovers? If there are any, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just know that crispy no longer means crispy after a day.
How spicy is this? It’s all up to you, my friend. Add chilies gradually and taste as you go.
Can I make it gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornflour and you’re golden. Or should I say crispy?
Final Thoughts
Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it. Throw this crispy chilli chicken into your repertoire, and soon enough, you’ll be the go-to chef in your friend group. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter and an excellent way to flex those kitchen skills without burning the house down. Happy cooking, my friend!
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Crispy Chilli Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious, crispy chicken with a spicy kick that’s easier to make than it looks.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast – shredded
- 1 cup cornflour
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1-2 red chilies – chopped
- 2-3 spring onions – sliced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and salt. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes.
- Dredge the marinated chicken in cornflour until fully coated.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the coated chicken until golden and crispy.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add chopped chilies and spring onions, stir-frying for a minute.
- Add the fried chicken back to the pan along with hoisin sauce, tossing everything together until well combined.
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade crispy chilli chicken.
Notes
Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of chilies used. Pair with a drink for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
