Crispy Honey Chilli Chicken Recipe
Craving something crispy, sweet, and spicy? Look no further than Crispy Honey Chilli Chicken! This dish offers a tantalizing combination of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. The juicy chicken is coated in a crispy batter, then tossed in a sweet and sticky honey-chilli sauce that brings just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or a special gathering, this dish will surely impress.
In this article, we’ll dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish step by step. From crispy fried chicken to a flavorful sauce, get ready to elevate your cooking game with this amazing recipe!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and pepper. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water until smooth. Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be thick enough to coat the chicken pieces.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat a deep skillet or large pan with enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces for frying. Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), dip each piece of chicken into the batter, then carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Chilli Sauce
In a saucepan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, stir in the soy sauce, honey, vinegar, chilli paste, ketchup, and red chilli flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, toss the crispy chicken pieces into the pan, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated with the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the sauce to thicken it.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the Crispy Honey Chilli Chicken to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Crispy Honey Chilli Chicken
1. Use Cornstarch for Extra Crispy Chicken
Cornstarch helps create a crispier texture, making the chicken light and crunchy when fried.
2. Adjust the Spice Level to Your Liking
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chilli paste or omit the chilli flakes. For extra heat, increase the chilli paste or add sliced fresh chillies to the sauce.
3. Keep the Oil Hot
Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) ensures that the chicken fries quickly and becomes crispy without absorbing too much oil.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Fry the chicken in batches to ensure each piece fries evenly and stays crispy.
5. Make Ahead
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before tossing with the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
With Rice or Noodles
Serve your Crispy Honey Chilli Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.
With a Fresh Salad
Balance the spicy-sweet flavors with a crisp green salad or a side of Asian slaw.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables
Add a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas to create a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
Crispy Honey Chilli Chicken is the perfect blend of textures and flavors, combining crispy fried chicken with a sweet and spicy honey-chilli glaze. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or a family dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to your spice preference.
Give this recipe a try, and let your taste buds experience the delightful mix of crispy chicken and a tangy-sweet sauce!
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. They are juicy and tender and work just as well as chicken breasts.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven for the best results to keep the chicken crispy.
3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. However, frying gives it the crispiest texture.
4. Can I freeze Crispy Honey Chilli Chicken?
It’s best to freeze the fried chicken without the sauce. Once cooled, place the chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat and toss in freshly made sauce.
5. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular flour and soy sauce.
Crispy Honey Chilli Chicken Recipe
Craving something crispy, sweet, and spicy? Look no further than Crispy Honey Chilli Chicken! This dish offers a tantalizing combination of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. The juicy chicken is coated in a crispy batter, then tossed in a sweet and sticky honey-chilli sauce that brings just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or a special gathering, this dish will surely impress.
Ingredients
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon chilli paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (for a slight tang)
- 1/4 cup water
- For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 red chilli, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk the egg, soy sauce, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
In another bowl, combine cornflour and all-purpose flour. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. - Fry the Chicken:
Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok for frying. Fry the chicken pieces in batches over medium-high heat until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chilli paste, sesame oil (if using), red pepper flakes, and ketchup to the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Pour in 1/4 cup of water and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. - Coat the Chicken:
Add the crispy fried chicken pieces to the pan with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the chicken to soak up the flavors. - Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the honey chilli chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and sliced red chilli (if desired).