Are you looking for that perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken coated in a tangy-sweet sauce? Well, look no further! Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken is an amazing dish that checks all the boxes. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or even a casual meal with friends, this recipe is bound to impress everyone at the table.
Imagine biting into succulent pieces of chicken, lightly battered and fried to perfection, then generously tossed in a dreamy sweet chili sauce. How delicious does that sound? This dish has the versatility to be enjoyed any day of the week, and the ingredients are simple and easy to find. Plus, perfecting your cooking skills with such a delightful recipe can be quite rewarding.
What makes Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken even more appealing is how approachable it is for cooks of all levels. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip this up! With easy-to-follow directions, you can create a mouthwatering meal that feels special yet doesn’t take hours to prepare. Let’s dive deeper into the benefits, ingredients, and steps to bring this fantastic dish to life!
Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken
Equipment
- Wok ou grande poêle
- Bol
- Fouet ou cuillère
- Pince ou écumoire
Ingredients
Poulet
- 600 g filets de poulet découpés en morceaux
- 1 Å“uf
- ½ tsp sel
- ½ tsp poivre noir moulu
- 60 g fécule de maïs cornflour / maïzena
- 250 ml huile neutre pour friture
Sauce sweet chili
- 125 ml sweet chili sauce
- 60 ml sauce soja ou tamari
- 60 ml vinaigre de riz
- 1 c. à  c. gingembre frais râpé
- 1 c. à  c. ail frais haché
Finition & accompagnement
- 1 oignon vert ciselé
- 1 tsp graines de sésame pour parsemer
Instructions
- Dans un bol, mélanger le poulet, l’œuf, le sel, le poivre et la fécule jusqu’à enrober uniformément.
- Chauffer l’huile dans un wok ou grande poêle à feu moyen‑fort. Frire le poulet en deux fois jusqu’à ce qu’il soit doré et croustillant (≈4–6 min). Égoutter sur du papier absorbant.
- Vider l’huile, essuyer la poêle, puis y verser la sweet chili sauce, la sauce soja, le vinaigre, l’ail et le gingembre. Chauffer doucement 2–3 min jusqu’à épaississement.
- Hors du feu, remettre le poulet dans la poêle et bien mélanger pour l’enrober de sauce.
- Servir immédiatement avec du riz jasmin, parsemer d’oignon vert et de graines de sésame.
Notes
Table of Contents
Key Benefits of Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and Easy: Get dinner on the table in less than an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the flavors and textures of this dish.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main course, appetizer, or even for meal prep.
- Crispy Texture: Frying gives chicken that irresistible crunch without sacrificing tenderness.
- Flavorful Sauce: The sweet and spicy chili sauce elevates the dish, making each bite delightful.
What makes it different or better
Unlike many other recipes, Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken stands out for its balance of flavors and textures. The crispy coating provides a satisfying crunch, while the sauce straddles the line between sweet and spicy. You can customize the heat level to suit your preference, making it as mild or spicy as you like.
Moreover, this dish can be prepared using traditional frying methods or an air fryer, offering flexibility in how you want to cook. Whether you’re a traditionalist or someone who embraces new kitchen tech, you have options. This wonderful blend of taste and convenience makes it a must-try for any chicken lover!
Ingredients for Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken
Complete list of ingredients with measurements
Here’s what you’ll need to create Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken:
- 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 chili 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, for serving
- 1 spring onion (scallion), finely sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Optional substitutions or alternatives
If you need to make any adjustments based on dietary preferences, here are some excellent substitutions:
- Chicken: Use tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Consider making your own or using a sugar-free alternative.
- Cornflour: Gluten-free all-purpose flour can be a great alternative if you need a gluten-free option.
- Vinegar: Substitute with lemon juice or any vinegar you have on hand.
How to Make Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken – Step-by-Step Directions
Ready to cook? Let’s break it down into simple steps!
Step 1 – Prepare the chicken
Start by placing your chicken pieces in a large bowl. Sprinkle in the sweet paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and the egg. Mix everything together thoroughly until the chicken is coated and the spices form a paste around it. This helps ensure every piece is flavorful!
Step 2 – Add the cornflour
Next, add the cornflour (cornstarch) to the chicken mixture and stir well to coat all the pieces. This will give the chicken its signature crispy coating when fried.
Step 3 – Heat the oil
Now it’s time to heat the oil in a large, deep, heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Depending on how crispy you want it, about 1–2 inches of oil should do the trick.
Step 4 – Fry the chicken
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook them for about 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 5 – Prepare the sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, tamari or soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger for the sauce. Mix it well and set it aside for now.
Step 6 – Cook the sauce
After draining the oil from the frying pan, wipe it clean. Over medium-low heat, pour in the prepared sauce. Stir frequently for 2–3 minutes until it begins to bubble gently and thicken, bringing out the flavors.
Step 7 – Toss the chicken in the sauce
Turn off the heat and return the fried chicken to the pan, stirring to coat it evenly in the sauce. This step adds all the delicious flavors to your crispy chicken!
Step 8 – Serve and enjoy
Serve your Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken immediately over a bed of steamed rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle sliced spring onion and sesame seeds on top for that finishing touch!
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken
Best ways to serve this dish
Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken is incredibly versatile. You can serve it for:
- Weeknight dinners: Quick, easy, and everyone’s favorite!
- Potlucks: This dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
- Game day: Perfect as a finger food to share with friends while watching the game.
Perfect pairings and additions
To elevate your meal, consider pairing this dish with:
- Drinks: Light beers, sweet white wines, or refreshing iced tea.
- Additional Sauces: Extra sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
- Sides: A fresh green salad or steamed veggies will balance the meal nicely.
Storing Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken the Right Way
How to store it properly
If you have leftovers, store them properly to maintain freshness. Place the chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days if stored correctly.
Reheating or freezing tips
To reheat, you can use:
- Microwave: Quick and easy, but it may not keep the crispiness.
- Oven or Air fryer: Heat at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through for the best results.
If you want to freeze the leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container. When reheating, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before warming.
Pro Tips & Variations of Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken
Tips to avoid common mistakes
- Oil Temperature: Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop. Fry in batches if needed.
- Perfect Coating: Ensure the chicken is well-coated in the cornflour for that crispy texture.
- Sauce Timing: Don’t add the chicken to the sauce until after frying to maintain that crunchy coating!
Easy variations to try
Get creative with your Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken by trying these variations:
- Add Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch and color.
- Different Sauces: Experiment with teriyaki sauce or honey-mustard for a new twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for a spicier version.
Conclusion about Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken
In summary, Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken is a fantastic recipe that combines ease, flavor, and versatility. The crunchy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy sauce makes it a favorite for many occasions, from family dinners to casual gatherings. With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, you can whip up this delectable dish anytime.
Give it a try, and we promise you’ll keep coming back for more. Your family and friends will adore it, and it may even become a weekly staple in your home. Don’t forget to share your experience with us! We would love to hear how your Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken turned out!
FAQs about Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken
What if it doesn’t turn out right?
Don’t worry if your chicken doesn’t look perfect the first time! If it’s not crispy enough, ensure your oil is hot enough next time and try not to crowd the pan while frying. The coating may also not stick if the chicken is overly wet, so pat it dry before starting.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and coat it with the spices and cornflour ahead of time. Store the coated chicken in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to fry it right before serving for that crispy texture.
What can I substitute for key ingredients?
If you need to make substitutions, you can replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option. For the sweet chili sauce, you may use honey mixed with chili flakes or make your own from scratch. The tamari can easily be swapped for regular soy sauce, and feel free to use any type of vinegar that suits your taste!
Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Dive into making this fantastic dish that will surely delight your taste buds!