Knuspriges Chilli Chicken

This Knuspriges Chilli Chicken recipe is a delicious blend of crispy fried chicken tossed in a spicy-sweet Asian-style sauce made with fresh chili, garlic, soy, and honey. This dish is perfect for lovers of bold flavors and crunchy textures. It’s incredibly satisfying as a main meal with rice or noodles, or on its own as a savory treat. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe brings restaurant-style flavor to your home kitchen.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 500 g chicken breast fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced (adjust to spice preference)

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 eggs, beaten

• Oil for deep frying

• Sesame seeds and spring onions for garnish

Directions

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch and dip in beaten eggs.

2. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry chicken until golden brown and crispy. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.

3. In a large pan, heat sesame oil and sauté garlic, chili, and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

4. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.

5. Pour the sauce into the pan and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss well to coat with the sauce.

7. Cook together for another 2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well glazed and sticky.

8. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions before serving.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 420 kcal per serving

• Protein: 32 g

• Fat: 18 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 9 g

• Sodium: 890 mg

About This Recipe

This recipe is inspired by popular Chinese-American and Indo-Chinese fusion dishes that combine the crispiness of fried chicken with the bold flavors of chili, garlic, and soy. The sweetness from honey balances the heat, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. It’s a dish that can be customized for spice lovers or made milder for family-friendly meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers everything you want in comfort food: crispy textures, sweet and spicy flavors, and rich umami from soy and garlic. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners yet bold enough to be the star of a weekend gathering. Plus, you can control the heat level to match your preferences.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

Chilli Chicken is a staple in Indo-Chinese cuisine, a culinary fusion created by the Chinese community in Kolkata, India. Over time, it has been embraced globally, especially in Asian takeout menus. This version takes inspiration from both classic Chinese sweet chili chicken and the fiery Indian-style preparation, adding bell peppers for color and crunch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat to revive the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it softens the coating. You can also reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.

Common Variations to Try

• Swap chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version

• Use Thai sweet chili sauce instead of honey-soy for a tangy twist

• Add more vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a nutrient boost

• Sprinkle crushed peanuts for added crunch and Thai-style flair

Pairing Recommendations

Serve with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or garlic noodles. It pairs beautifully with a cucumber salad, Asian-style slaw, or steamed dumplings. A chilled mango lassi or iced green tea complements the heat perfectly.

Health Benefits

While this dish is indulgent, using lean chicken breast provides high-quality protein. Bell peppers offer vitamin C and antioxidants. Using honey instead of refined sugar adds a more natural sweetness, and the dish can be air-fried or baked instead of deep-fried for a lighter version.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure your oil is hot enough to fry (around 180°C/350°F) so the chicken crisps properly

• Don’t overcrowd the frying pan; fry in batches if needed

• Toss the chicken with the sauce just before serving to keep it crispy

• Adjust chili based on your tolerance — you can remove the seeds for less heat

Similar Recipes to Try

• General Tso’s Chicken

• Sticky Orange Chicken

• Sweet and Sour Pork

• Mongolian Beef

• Korean Fried Chicken

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken Breast: A lean protein, low in fat and high in nutrients like niacin and selenium.
Chili: Boosts metabolism and adds antioxidants.
Honey: Natural sweetener with antibacterial properties.
Garlic: Immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory.
Soy Sauce: Adds rich umami and depth of flavor.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

2. Is this dish too spicy for kids?
You can reduce or skip the fresh chili to make it milder for kids.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs will be juicier and add more flavor.

4. Can this be baked instead of fried?
Yes, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway.

5. What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or brown sugar can be used instead of honey.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended as the coating will get soggy after thawing.

7. How do I make it less sweet?
Use half the honey or add a squeeze of lime juice to balance the sweetness.

8. Can I make the sauce in advance?
Absolutely. Store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.

9. What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like sunflower, canola, or peanut oil are best.

10. How long does the chicken stay crispy?
For best texture, serve immediately after tossing in the sauce.

Conclusion

Knuspriges Chilli Chicken is the ultimate dish for those who crave bold flavors and crispy textures. With its vibrant colors, sweet heat, and satisfying crunch, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Versatile, adaptable, and packed with flavor, it’s a dish that brings the fusion of Asian tastes right to your table — perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.