Chili Crisp Chicken is loaded with flavors, combining spice, sweetness, and an irresistible allure. Juicy, tender chicken pieces are enveloped in a delightful mixture of honey, chili crisp, and lime … truly mouthwatering!
Chicken bites are one of my go-to meals to whip up. They have widespread appeal and are remarkably simple to prepare! Plus, they taste absolutely fantastic. I’ve previously shared recipes for garlic chicken bites, Greek chicken bites, and ranch chicken bites, but this chili crisp chicken recipe might just take the crown!
If you haven’t tried chili crisp yet, you definitely should! Once a staple at American-Chinese restaurants, it has seen a surge in popularity—and for good reason. Made with peppers, onions, and/or garlic blended in chili oil, this spicy condiment is perfect for chicken dishes.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Effortless – You only need 25 minutes and a few ingredients to create this spicy chili crisp chicken recipe.
- Spicy, yet balanced – Expect a little heat in this honey chili crisp chicken, but the sweetness from honey and the acidity from lime juice help to temper the spiciness.
- Multi-functional – Serve chili crisp chicken breast with toothpicks for an easy appetizer or over rice for a simple meal. Use any leftovers in tacos or atop a salad.
Recipe Notes
Making this Chili Crisp Chicken is just as simple as it sounds! With only 7 ingredients and 25 minutes, you can create a meal that everyone at the table will love.
In this segment, I’ll share a few tips to help you achieve ultimate deliciousness with your Chili Crisp Chicken.
Make sure to scroll down for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
For the chicken bites:
- Chicken – You’ll need two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Sesame oil – This is essential for marinating and cooking the chicken quickly.
- Lime juice – The acidity in lime juice offers a tenderizing effect while imparting vibrant flavor.
- Cornstarch – This ingredient absorbs excess moisture on the chicken’s surface while keeping the inside juicy.
- Salt & pepper
- Garlic powder – This adds a delightful touch of garlic flavor to the chili crisp chicken.
For the sauce:
- Chili crisp – Typically available in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores. You can often find it at well-stocked places like Trader Joe’s and Costco.
- Honey – Any variety of honey can be used.
- Lime juice – For an additional citrus kick.
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Juice – A splash of vibrant, tangy flavor that also helps to mellow the heat level.
Make sure to look at the recipe card at the conclusion of this post for the full list of ingredients along with their measurements.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and wish to introduce some variety, a few easy modifications can achieve that!
- Chili Crisp Chicken Cutlets– This concept of chili crisp chicken is versatile and can be applied to other cuts of chicken. You might try using chicken cutlets by slicing a chicken breast horizontally. Keep in mind that larger pieces may necessitate a longer cooking duration.
- Extra Spicy Chili Crisp Chicken– Boost the quantity of chili crisp for a spicier flavor explosion!
- Baked Chili Crisp Chicken Bites– Instead of frying the chicken on the stove, arrange the pieces in a 9×13 baking dish and drizzle with sesame oil. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165°F.
Recipe Step by Step
I will highlight some essential steps from the recipe here, but do refer to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to prepare Chili Crisp Chicken.
Place the chicken pieces into a mixing bowl, and then incorporate sesame oil, lime juice, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
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Mix the sweet chili crisp sauce until thoroughly combined.
Drizzle the sauce over the cooked chicken and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until completely cooked through.
Cooking Tips
- Utilize an instant-read thermometer – While you can check for doneness by ensuring no pink remains in the chicken, using an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of one of the larger pieces provides extra confidence. The ideal temperature for fully cooked chicken is 165°F.
Cooking Shortcuts
If you’re looking to tackle this dish but are short on time, here are some tips to make the process more efficient!
- Prep ahead – Slice the chicken, make the marinade, and mix the sauce in advance, keeping them stored separately in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to prepare your chili crisp chicken breast, it’ll be quick and hassle-free!
- Ask your butcher for help – Often, you can find chicken pre-cut into bite-sized pieces, or your butcher can easily assist by cutting it quickly for you.
## Freezer Meal Instructions
Transforming the Chili Crisp Chicken recipe into a freezer meal is easy! Just follow these steps, and you can store this dish in the freezer for up to six months.
### To Freeze Before Cooking
1. Cut your chicken into pieces and prepare the marinade and sauce.
2. Store them separately in freezer bags or airtight containers, then freeze for up to six months.
3. When you’re ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the cooking instructions.
### How to Freeze Chili Crisp Chicken After Cooking
1. Prepare the recipe as directed and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Place the cooked chili crisp chicken into an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to six months.
3. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
## What to Serve with Chili Crisp Chicken
This protein-rich dish, featuring the delightful tastes of onions and chilis, pairs beautifully with various Asian-inspired sides. Consider these options to create a balanced, satisfying meal.
### Side Dish Ideas
## Chili Crisp Chicken Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this dish, consider yourself lucky! They store well and can be repurposed into another delicious meal.
To store leftovers, divide them into meal-sized portions and keep them in an airtight container. They can last:
– In the refrigerator for 3-4 days
– In the freezer for up to one month
### Leftover Recipes
Here are some creative ways to enjoy your leftovers!
– **Chili Crisp Chicken Tacos**: Warm the leftover chicken and serve in corn tortillas topped with coleslaw and pickled red onions.
– **Chili Crisp Chicken Bowls**: Serve the chicken over rice with sliced cucumbers, red bell pepper strips, and avocado. Drizzle with a creamy dressing like ranch.
– **Chili Crisp Chicken Salad**: Place the chicken on a bed of lettuce and add shredded carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette with fresh ginger and a splash of soy sauce.
## Recipe FAQs
### What’s the difference between chili crunch and chili crisp?
While the terms are often interchangeable, chili crunch may include additional crunchy elements that aren’t usually found in chili crisp.
### What does chili crisp taste like?
Chili crisp offers a spicy and savory taste, enhanced with hints of onion and/or garlic, culminating in a pleasant heat.
## More EASY Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, take a moment to explore more easy dishes for those busy nights!
You can find all my **easy chicken recipes here**, or check out some readers’ favorites listed below.
Sweet Chili Crisp Chicken Bites
This sweet and spicy chili crisp coating surrounds succulent chicken bites, offering a dish that delivers an impactful flavor! Ideal as an appetizer with toothpicks or served beside rice for a hearty main course, these chili crisp chicken bites are sure to impress!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
servings
Ingredients
For the Sweet Chili Crisp Sauce
Instructions
- Dice the chicken into 1-2 inch chunks. In a bowl or zip-top bag, mix the chicken with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, lime juice, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the mixture. To create the sweet chili crisp sauce, combine chili crisp, honey, and lime juice. Set aside until the chicken is prepared.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Introduce the chicken to the pan, allowing it to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, then stir and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Pour the sweet chili crisp sauce over the chicken and toss to blend well. Continue cooking for 1-2 more minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, then remove from heat. Top with finely chopped green onions and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
Substitutions:- You may use larger chicken pieces; just be mindful that they will need a longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
How to Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Freeze: This Chili Crisp Chicken can be frozen either before or after cooking. For more details, check the “how to freeze” section in the original post.
How to Reheat: Reheat in the microwave at 30-second intervals, or cover with foil and put in the oven until warmed through.
How to Scale: You can easily double this recipe for a larger gathering or halve it for smaller portions.
Nutrition Information
Calories:
489
kcal
(24%)
,
Carbohydrates:
25
g
(8%)
,
Protein:
48
g
(96%)
,
Fat:
21
g
(32%)
,
Saturated Fat:
3
g
(19%)
,
Polyunsaturated Fat:
4
g
,
Monounsaturated Fat:
5
g
,
Trans Fat:
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