Name: Crispy Chili Chicken Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons cornstarch; ½ cup flour; 1 large egg, at room temperature; Salt and pepper, as per taste; 12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bite-size chunks (340 grams); Canola oil, as needed for deep frying; 1 tablespoon canola oil; 5-6 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce; Salt, as per taste; 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar; White sesame seeds (for garnish); Freshly chopped cilantro (for garnish)

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Crispy Chili Chicken Bites are a mouthwatering dish where tender, golden-brown chicken pieces are coated in a sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect option for a quick and satisfying dinner. The crispy exterior and flavorful sauce come together to create an irresistible treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Batter:

4 tablespoons cornstarch

½ cup flour

1 large egg, at room temperature

Salt and pepper, as per taste

For Chicken:

12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bite-size chunks (340 grams)

Canola oil, as needed for deep frying

For Sauce:

1 tablespoon canola oil

5-6 cloves garlic, minced

4 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce

Salt, as per taste

1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar

Garnish:

White sesame seeds

Freshly chopped cilantro

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Batter: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the egg, flour, salt, pepper, and cornstarch to form a batter. This mixture will help coat the chicken in a light, crispy crust.

Coat the Chicken: Take the bite-sized chicken chunks and coat them evenly in the batter mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.

Fry the Chicken: Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and slightly smoky, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the fried chicken back into the skillet, followed by rice wine vinegar, Thai sweet chili sauce, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together and simmer for about 2 minutes to ensure the chicken is well-coated and the sauce thickens slightly.

Serve: Once everything is combined, remove from heat. Serve immediately, garnished with white sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Variations

For a Spicier Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili to the sauce for an extra layer of heat.

Make it Healthier: Instead of deep frying, you can bake the battered chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.

Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I recommend placing the chicken on a baking sheet and warming it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispy texture. You can also reheat in a skillet with a little oil to refresh the crispiness.

FAQs

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

I make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly in the batter and fry it in hot oil. Frying the chicken in batches ensures that each piece gets crispy without being overcrowded in the pan.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it fully before preparing. Cooking frozen chicken directly can affect the texture and frying process.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Absolutely! You can adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or fresh chopped peppers to the sauce to give it more heat.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your Thai sweet chili sauce does not contain gluten.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can coat the chicken in the batter and store it in the fridge for up to a few hours before frying. Just fry it when you’re ready to cook.

Conclusion

Crispy Chili Chicken Bites are an irresistible treat that brings together crispy chicken, a sweet and spicy sauce, and a refreshing garnish. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. I love how simple it is to make and how it always turns out perfectly crispy and flavorful. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure you’ll be making it again and again.

Recipe:

Crispy Chili Chicken Bites

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Instructions

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the egg, flour, salt, pepper, and cornstarch to form a batter.
Take the bite-sized chicken chunks and coat them evenly in the batter mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.
Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and slightly smoky, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Then, add the fried chicken back into the skillet, followed by rice wine vinegar, Thai sweet chili sauce, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together and simmer for about 2 minutes to ensure the chicken is well-coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
Once everything is combined, remove from heat. Serve immediately, garnished with white sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro.