Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken

This quick and easy Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner for when you are wanting to skip the takeaway and eat a comforting meal at home. The delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors makes it an instant favorite for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet chilli sauce and aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, in lettuce wraps, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
• Crispy Texture: Achieve that coveted crispy coating without deep frying by using cornflour and an air fryer.
• Family-Friendly: Perfect for both kids and adults, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather all your tools to make the process smooth and efficient. Having everything ready helps you stay organized in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium bowl
• Deep frying pan or air fryer
• Paper towels
• Whisk or fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients thoroughly, ensuring every piece of chicken is well-coated.
• Deep frying pan or air fryer: Allows you to cook the chicken evenly while achieving that crispy texture without excess oil.
• Paper towels: Useful for draining excess oil from the cooked chicken, keeping it light and crispy.

Ingredients

This quick and easy Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner for when you are wanting to skip the takeaway and eat a comforting meal at home.

• 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 freshly 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 apple vinegar, plain white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lime juice
• Steamed rice
• 1 spring onion (scallion), finely sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

How to Make Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Place the chicken in a large bowl with the sweet paprika, garlic powder, sea salt flakes, black pepper, egg, and cornflour. Mix well until the ingredients form a paste around the chicken. Set aside.

Step 2: Combine the Sauce Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine all sauce ingredients – sweet chilli sauce, tamari or soy sauce, and rice apple vinegar. Set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large frying pan. Cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 4: Cook Chicken in Sauce

Remove excess oil from the frying pan and wipe clean. Heat over medium-low heat again. Add the sauce mixture and stir until bubbling gently. Return cooked chicken to the pan and coat evenly with sauce.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Serve immediately on a bed of steamed rice. Top with finely sliced spring onion and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor.

Optional Final Touches

For extra sauciness, add boiling water to any leftover sauce in the pan after removing chicken. Stir well before drizzling over your dish to enjoy every drop!

How to Serve Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken

Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken makes for a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or at a gathering, here are some creative suggestions to elevate your meal.

On Steamed Rice

• Serve the crispy chicken heaped on a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a comforting main course that balances flavors and textures.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Wrap the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves with some shredded carrots and cucumbers for a fresh and crunchy bite that’s perfect for appetizers.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair the chicken with colorful stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas to add a healthy crunch and vibrant color to your plate.

Over Noodles

• For a filling option, serve the crispy chicken over a bed of noodles tossed in soy sauce or sesame oil, enhancing the dish’s Asian flavors.

As Part of a Salad

• Slice the chicken and toss it into a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a light yet satisfying meal.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer additional dipping sauces like sweet chilli sauce or peanut sauce on the side for guests to personalize their flavor experience.

How to Perfect Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken

Making the perfect Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use Cornflour Generously: Dipping each piece of chicken in cornflour ensures an extra crispy texture once fried or air-fried.
• Fry at the Right Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat while frying to achieve golden-brown chicken without burning it.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cook chicken pieces in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying.
• Rest After Frying: Let the fried chicken rest on paper towels briefly before adding it to the sauce. This helps maintain its crispiness.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to achieve the desired consistency before tossing in the chicken.
• Garnish Creatively: Enhance presentation with finely sliced spring onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken

Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken pairs well with numerous side dishes that complement its bold flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant base that absorbs the sweet chilli sauce beautifully.
2. Garlic Fried Rice: This adds an aromatic touch that perfectly balances the sweetness of the chicken.
3. Asian Slaw: A mix of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing provides crunch and freshness alongside the rich flavors.
4. Roasted Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli offers a nutritious contrast while enhancing color on your plate.
5. Vegetable Spring Rolls: These crispy rolls filled with veggies make for an enjoyable appetizer or snack alongside your main dish.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light salad made with quinoa, herbs, and light dressing brings additional nutrients and textures.
7. Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Quick-cooked bok choy adds green freshness and complements Asian-inspired meals well.
8. Sweet Potato Fries: These offer a sweet contrast, balancing the spicy notes of the dish while adding crunchiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your cooking experience smoother and your dish more delicious. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Bold ingredient measurements: Not measuring ingredients correctly can lead to imbalanced flavors. Use precise measurements to achieve the perfect taste.
• Bold neglecting marination time: Rushing the marination process means missing out on depth of flavor. Allow your chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best results.
• Bold overcrowding the frying pan: Cooking too much chicken at once can lead to steaming instead of frying. Fry in batches to ensure each piece gets crispy.
• Bold skipping the cornflour step: Omitting the cornflour will result in a less crispy texture. Make sure to coat each piece thoroughly for that signature crunch.
• Bold ignoring sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick or thin, it won’t cling properly to the chicken. Adjust with water or more sweet chilli sauce as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the chicken is fully cooled before sealing.

Freezing Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water and cover. Heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken so special?

Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken is loved for its combination of crispy texture and sweet-spicy flavor that pleases many palates.

How can I customize my Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking or experiment with different sauces for varied flavors.

Can I use other meats besides chicken?

Yes! This recipe works well with beef, lamb, or turkey if you prefer different protein options.

What’s the best way to serve Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken?

Serve it hot over steamed rice, garnished with spring onions and sesame seeds for added freshness and crunch.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Absolutely! You can replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, following the same cooking instructions.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or sauces, making it suitable for various tastes. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful homemade meal that’s sure to impress!