Print

Asian Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 138 reviews

Crispy tempura battered chicken pieces are tossed in a flavorful Asian sweet chili sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a deliciously spicy and sweet appetizer or main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Tempura Battered Chicken

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup ice cold water
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces

Sauce

  • Canola oil for frying
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced (tip to tail, excluding root)
  • 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Optional Garnishes

  • White sesame seeds
  • Minced green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together egg whites, sifted all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and ice cold water until smooth to create the tempura batter.
  2. Coat the chicken: Add the chicken thigh pieces into the batter, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
  3. Heat oil for frying: Pour enough canola oil into a frying pan to allow deep frying—about two inches deep. Heat the oil until hot but not smoking.
  4. Fry the chicken: Using a slotted spoon, lift the battered chicken pieces, draining excess batter, then carefully slide them into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
  5. Cook until golden: Once the batter begins to set, break apart any pieces stuck together, and fry the chicken until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Work in batches to maintain oil temperature.
  6. Remove and drain: When cooked, remove the chicken pieces and drain on paper towels. Discard most of the frying oil, reserving about two tablespoons in the pan.
  7. Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and sliced green onions to the pan and cook over medium heat for 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Add sauce and chicken: Return the fried chicken to the pan. Pour in the Thai sweet chili sauce and crushed red pepper. Toss everything gently to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
  9. Serve: Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with white sesame seeds and additional minced green onions if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use ice cold water for the batter to ensure a light, crispy coating.
  • Fry the chicken in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping and resulting in soggy coating.
  • Be cautious with crushed red pepper if sensitive to spicy heat; adjust amount to taste.
  • Garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions adds texture and enhances presentation.
  • This recipe works best when served immediately to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: Sweet Chili Chicken, Tempura Chicken, Asian Chicken Recipe, Crispy Chicken, Fried Chicken, Sweet and Spicy Chicken

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/asian-sweet-chili-chicken-recipe/