Chef Mitchell preparing Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken recipe during my travels in Asia, where the balance of sweet and spicy flavors captivated me. After experimenting in my kitchen, I perfected the recipe to share with others. It's become a family favorite, and I love seeing the smiles it brings at dinner time. This dish captures the essence of my culinary journey."

With over a decade of experience in Asian cuisine, I have a passion for creating delicious dinner recipes. My travels have inspired me to explore diverse flavors and incorporate them into my dishes. I aim to make authentic Asian flavors accessible to home cooks everywhere.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken served on a plate

Why This Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe Works

This recipe stands out for its perfect balance of crispy texture and sweet-spicy flavor. The chicken is breaded and fried to golden perfection, ensuring every bite is deliciously crunchy. The sweet chili sauce adds a delightful glaze that elevates the dish and offers a mouthwatering experience.

Using buttermilk for marinating the chicken ensures tenderness while the flour coating provides the desired crispiness. Frying at the right temperature guarantees that the chicken cooks evenly without absorbing too much oil, resulting in a healthier version of this beloved dish.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; too cool oil can lead to soggy chicken. Use a thermometer to check the temperature or drop a small piece of bread to see if it sizzles immediately. Also, don't overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Fry the chicken and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven to retain its crispiness and toss it with the sauce just before serving.

If you're looking for a substitute for chicken, boneless pork or tofu can work well in this recipe. Ensure that the cooking times are adjusted accordingly, as tofu will need less time to fry. You can also use shrimp as a lighter alternative, frying them only until they are pink and opaque.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown on the outside. You can also test it by cutting into a piece; the juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque.

Yes, you can freeze the fried chicken once it has cooled down. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it can be stored for up to three months. To reheat, bake it directly from frozen at a moderate temperature until heated through and crispy.

Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. Adding a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad can also complement the dish and provide a balanced meal.

Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating to maintain its texture.

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and the sauce ahead of time. Just fry the chicken and store it in the fridge, and warm it up in the oven before serving. Make sure to toss it with the sauce just before serving to keep it crispy.

The best way to reheat Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The chicken may turn out dry if overcooked.

Solution: To prevent dryness, ensure that you do not overcook the chicken. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, and remove the chicken from the heat as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C).

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The coating may not be crispy if the oil isn't hot enough.

Solution: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Use a thermometer for precision; the ideal frying temperature is around 350°F (175°C). Additionally, avoid overcrowding the skillet.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the chicken is overcooked, it becomes tough and dry.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, monitor the cooking time closely and check the chicken's internal temperature. If you notice it cooking too fast, lower the heat slightly.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the chicken is undercooked in the center, it will be unsafe to eat.

Recovery: To remedy undercooked chicken, return it to the skillet over medium heat for a few more minutes. Ensure that it reaches at least 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the chicken's exterior burns while the inside remains raw, the oil may be too hot.

Prevention: If you're encountering burnt exteriors, reduce the heat to a medium level and allow the chicken to cook slower. Fry in smaller batches to ensure even cooking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lime juice to balance it out.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, serving it with plain rice can help offset the saltiness.

Bland: If the dish is bland, increase the seasoning during the cooking process or add more of the sweet chili sauce.

Fresh ingredients for Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken

Essential Ingredients for Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken

The key ingredients for this recipe include chicken, which should be fresh and of high quality for the best results. The spices and flour for breading create a flavorful and crispy coating. Sweet chili sauce is the star of the dish, providing its signature sweet and spicy flavor.

Using fresh ingredients enhances the flavor and texture of the dish. Opt for organic chicken if possible and quality sweet chili sauce. The combination of fresh green onions and sesame seeds adds a lovely presentation and additional flavor.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Choose high-quality, fresh chicken for the best flavor and texture. Organic or free-range chicken is ideal for a juicier result. Cut the chicken into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: Select a good brand of sweet chili sauce to ensure the right balance of sweetness and heat. Homemade versions can offer a fresher taste if you have time to prepare it.
  • Flour: Use all-purpose flour for breading, and consider adding cornstarch to the mixture for extra crispiness. The right flour blend makes a significant difference in the crunch of the chicken.
Cooking process for Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking method for Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken involves marinating, breading, and frying. The marinating step with buttermilk ensures the chicken is tender, while the breading creates a golden, crunchy exterior. Frying in hot oil ensures that the chicken cooks quickly while retaining moisture.

To achieve perfect results, pay attention to the oil temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan. This way, each piece of chicken fries evenly, resulting in a crisp texture. Finally, tossing the fried chicken in the sweet chili sauce adds flavor without compromising the crunch.

Key Technique for Perfect Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken

The key to achieving perfectly crispy chicken is the double-dipping technique: first dip the chicken in buttermilk and then coat it thoroughly with the seasoned flour mixture. This method creates a thick, crunchy crust that holds up well during frying and enhances the overall texture.

Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup sweet chili sauce
    For coating
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    Adds umami flavor
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    For acidity
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    Enhances flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    For breading
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
    For color
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To season
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    To season
  • 1 cup buttermilk
    For marinating
  • 2 cups vegetable oil
    For frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dip chicken pieces into buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture.

  2. Heat the Oil

    In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  3. Fry the Chicken

    Fry the chicken pieces in batches, for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

  4. Prepare the Sauce

    In a small saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Heat over low until warmed through.

  5. Toss the Chicken

    Place fried chicken in a large bowl and pour the sauce over the chicken. Toss to coat evenly.

  6. Garnish

    Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

  7. Serve

    Serve the Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken hot with your choice of rice or noodles.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain its crispiness, reheat it in the oven rather than the microwave. If freezing, ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing it in a freezer-safe bag.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken is best served immediately after preparation. Pair it with jasmine rice or noodles and a side of stir-fried vegetables. For a refreshing touch, serve with a cucumber salad or pickled vegetables.

Recipe Variations

For a different twist, try adding diced bell peppers or pineapple chunks to the sauce for extra flavor. You can also use a combination of chicken and shrimp for a seafood twist on this dish. Adjust the level of spiciness by adding chili flakes or fresh chilis to the sauce.