Crispy Chilli Chicken Homemade Chinese Stir-fry Recipe

If you’re craving the irresistible flavor of restaurant-style spicy Chinese chicken at home, this crispy chilli chicken homemade Chinese stir-fry recipe is about to become a weeknight favorite. Featuring golden, crunchy chicken tossed in a sticky, spicy, garlicky sauce, this dish hits all the right notes—bold, addictive, and incredibly easy to make.

Perfect for fans of Asian takeout, this recipe brings together the flavors of spicy garlic chicken Chinese dishes and the satisfying crunch of your favorite wok-cooked chicken dish, all from the comfort of your kitchen. With a few basic pantry staples and a hot pan, you can recreate one of the most loved Chinese cooking recipes with authentic flavor and homemade goodness.

This meal is great for busy nights, family dinners, or even meal prepping a flavorful lunch. If you’re new to cooking homemade Chinese food recipes chicken, this is a great place to start. Let’s dive into the details and cook up something amazing.

Save

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chilli Chicken

There’s something special about crispy fried chicken coated in a fiery, sweet-savory sauce. This recipe nails that balance perfectly. It’s easy to customize, surprisingly quick to make, and more affordable (and healthier) than takeout. You can control the heat level, choose your protein, and serve it exactly how you like it—over rice, with noodles, or as part of a bigger feast.

Because the sauce is made from scratch using simple ingredients, it’s free of artificial flavorings or preservatives. The chicken is fried until golden and tossed in a thick, glossy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the perfect recipe if you’re looking to master Asian-style spicy chicken without needing special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.

This is also a great entry point for making your own homemade Chinese food, right alongside popular dishes like Mapo Tofu or egg fried rice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this crispy chilli chicken at home, you’ll need a few ingredients divided into three parts: chicken marinade, sauce, and stir-fry aromatics.

For the chicken:

• 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic paste or sambal oelek
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons water

For the stir-fry:

• 1 tablespoon oil (sunflower or vegetable)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 green chili, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• Spring onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

This blend of ingredients creates a spicy-sweet sauce with garlic and soy undertones—rich, punchy, and deeply satisfying.

Save

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make this recipe successfully, gather the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wok or large non-stick frying pan
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Parchment or paper towels for draining

Using a wok helps achieve that authentic stir-fry texture, but a deep skillet will also work well.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with the egg, both soy sauces, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Add the cornstarch and flour, and toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.

In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth. Set it aside.

Heat oil in your wok or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken pieces in small batches to avoid crowding. Cook until golden and crispy, then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Once all chicken is fried, pour out most of the oil from the pan, leaving about one tablespoon. Add garlic, ginger, and sliced chili to the hot oil and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the red bell pepper and cook for another minute.

Pour in the sauce and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the crispy chicken back to the pan and toss well so that every piece is coated in the glossy, sticky sauce.

Finish by garnishing with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.

Tips for Maximum Crispiness and Flavor

For ultra-crispy chicken, consider frying the pieces twice. This technique removes excess moisture and keeps the coating crunchy even after it’s tossed in sauce. Always make sure the oil is properly heated before adding the chicken. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will soak up oil and turn soggy.

Don’t skip the marinating time—even 10 minutes helps tenderize the chicken and deepen the flavor. And be sure to serve immediately for the best texture.

If you’re looking for more crowd-pleasing chicken recipes, check out Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers or try a fusion twist like Sweet Chili Meatballs.

Ingredient Swaps and Recipe Variations

Make it vegetarian by swapping the chicken for tofu or cauliflower. Fry until crispy and follow the same sauce steps. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice flour in place of all-purpose flour.

Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the chili paste. Add vegetables like onions, broccoli, or baby corn to bulk up the dish and boost nutrition. You can even swap in shrimp for a seafood twist.

Want to pair it with something light and cooling? Try a side of Cucumber Dill Salad to balance the heat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying, as this drops the oil temperature and results in soggy chicken. Don’t skip the cornstarch—it’s the key to that ultra-crispy coating. Another mistake is overcooking the chicken during the fry stage. Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and should be pulled from the oil as soon as they’re golden brown.

Make sure your sauce ingredients are pre-measured and ready. The stir-fry process moves fast, and timing is important for perfect results.

How to Serve and Present Crispy Chilli Chicken

Serve immediately while hot and crispy, ideally over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or with fried rice. For a full meal, pair it with a quick vegetable stir-fry or homemade egg rolls. You can also enjoy it with noodles, wrapped in lettuce cups, or even as a filling for a spicy chicken bao bun.

If you’re preparing a party platter or fusion dinner, include this dish with Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken and Vegetable Casserole for an unforgettable feast.

How to Store and Reheat

Let the chicken cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, use an air fryer or bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the coating soft.

For make-ahead prep, fry the chicken and store separately from the sauce. Reheat both, then combine just before serving for best results.

Save

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, though it won’t be quite as crispy. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Is this recipe very spicy?
It can be, depending on the amount of chili paste used. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately. Reheat and combine when ready to serve.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just fry the chicken in batches to maintain crispiness and use a larger wok or pan for tossing in sauce.

Final Thoughts

This crispy chilli chicken homemade Chinese stir-fry recipe is everything you want in a restaurant-style dish—crunchy, sticky, spicy, and bursting with flavor. It’s easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve to guests. With just a little prep, you can bring authentic Chinese stir-fry flavor to your table in under an hour.

If you’re a fan of homemade comfort food with a kick, this recipe is a must-save. Try it once, and you’ll be making it on repeat.

Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends who love bold flavors and delicious homemade meals. Subscribe to our blog for more tasty Chinese cooking recipes, chicken dishes, and inspired fusion meals from around the world.

Print