This Chili Crisp Chicken is brimming with spice and sweetness, making it utterly irresistible! Tender, juicy chicken pieces are enveloped in a luscious blend of honey, chili crisp, and lime… simply delightful!
Chicken bites rank high on my list of favorite meals to prepare. They are universally loved and incredibly easy to whip up! And they taste absolutely fantastic. Previously, I’ve shared recipes for garlic chicken bites, Greek chicken bites, and ranch chicken bites, but this spicy chili crisp chicken recipe might just take the cake!
If you haven’t yet tried chili crisp, you’re in for a treat! Traditionally found in American-Chinese restaurants, its popularity has surged in recent years—and with good reason. Made from a mix of peppers, onions, and/or garlic combined with chili oil, this spicy condiment is perfect for enhancing chicken dishes.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Super easy – In just 25 minutes and with a few simple ingredients, you can make this spicy chili crisp chicken recipe.
- Spicy, but not OVERLY spicy – You’ll experience a touch of heat from this honey chili crisp chicken, but it’s nicely balanced by the sweetness of the honey and the zing of lime juice.
- Versatile – Serve chili crisp chicken breast as an easy appetizer with toothpicks, or over rice for a quick meal. Leftovers can be incorporated into tacos or salads.
Recipe Notes
This Chili Crisp Chicken recipe is as simple as it gets! With just 7 ingredients and 25 minutes, you can create a meal that the whole family will love.
This section will provide some tips and tricks to help you make Chili Crisp Chicken for maximum flavor.
Be sure to scroll down for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
For the chicken bites:
- Chicken – You’ll need two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into small pieces.
- Sesame oil – Essential for a quick marinade and cooking the chicken.
- Lime juice – The acidity of lime juice helps create tender chicken bites while imparting vibrant flavor.
- Cornstarch – This ingredient absorbs excess moisture on the chicken’s surface, keeping the inside juicy and tender.
- Salt & pepper
- Garlic powder – Adds a delightful hint of garlic to the chili crisp chicken.
For the sauce:
- Chili crisp – Usually found in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores, it’s often available at well-stocked places like Trader Joe’s and Costco.
- Honey – You can use any type of honey you like.
- Lime juice – To add brightness and complement the flavors.
Juice – A splash of bright, tangy flavor to enhance your dish.
Make sure to check the recipe card at the end of this post for a full list of ingredients and their precise measurements.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want to mix things up, a few easy modifications can offer just that!
- Chili Crisp Chicken Cutlets– You can modify this chili crisp chicken recipe to include other chicken cuts. Try using chicken cutlets created by slicing a chicken breast horizontally. Keep in mind that larger pieces may need a longer cooking time.
- Extra Spicy Chili Crisp Chicken– Add more chili crisp for a bolder spicy taste!
- Baked Chili Crisp Chicken Bites– Instead of pan-frying the chicken, you can place the pieces in a 9×13 baking dish drizzled with sesame oil. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Recipe Step by Step
Here, I will highlight several essential steps from the recipe, but be sure to consult the recipe card for detailed instructions on how to make Chili Crisp Chicken.
Add the chicken pieces to a mixing bowl, followed by sesame oil, lime juice, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
Thoroughly combine until well blended.
Next, add the remaining sesame oil to the skillet and introduce the chicken pieces. Sauté them until they are almost fully cooked.
In a small bowl, mix together the chili crisp, honey, and lime juice.
Mix the sweet chili crisp sauce until completely combined.
Drizzle the sauce over the cooked chicken. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until fully done.
Cooking Tip
- Use an instant-read thermometer – While you can tell your chicken bites are done when no pink remains, for extra assurance, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a larger piece. A reading of 165°F indicates that your chicken has been thoroughly cooked.
Cooking Shortcuts
If you’re in a rush but still want to make this dish, check out these handy tips to speed things up!
- Prep ahead of time – Cut the chicken, prepare the marinade, and mix the sauce in advance, storing each component separately in the refrigerator for as long as three days. When it’s time to cook your chili crisp chicken, everything will be ready to go!
- Get pre-cut chicken – Often, you can find chicken that is already cut into bite-sized pieces, or your butcher may be willing to do the cutting for you quickly.
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this Chili Crisp Chicken recipe into a freezer meal is easy! Follow the steps below, and you can keep this dish frozen for up to six months.
To Freeze Before Cooking
- Chop your chicken, then prepare the marinade and sauce.
- Store them separately in freezer bags or airtight containers and freeze for a maximum of six months.
- When you’re ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and follow the cooking instructions for the chili crisp chicken.
How to Freeze Chili Crisp Chicken After Cooking
- Cook the recipe as directed and let it cool to room temperature.
- Place the cooked chili crisp chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to six months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge prior to reheating.
What to Serve with Chili Crisp Chicken
This protein-rich dish, with its delightful combination of onions and chilis, pairs excellently with a variety of Asian-inspired side dishes.
Choose one or more of the following sides for a well-rounded and satisfying dinner. Options include both traditional elements and lighter, health-focused choices.
Side Dish Ideas
Chili Crisp Chicken Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this dish, you’re in luck! They store well and can serve as a foundation for another delicious meal.
To keep leftovers fresh, divide them into meal-sized portions and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored:
- In the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- In the freezer for up to a month
Leftover Recipes
Here are several creative ideas to reinvent those leftovers for an exciting new dish!
- Chili Crisp Chicken Tacos– Warm up the leftover chili crisp chicken and serve it in corn tortillas with coleslaw and pickled red onions.
- Chili Crisp Chicken Bowls– Serve the chili crisp chicken over rice, topped with sliced cucumbers, strips of red bell pepper, and avocado slices. Drizzle with a creamy dressing like ranch.
- Chili Crisp Chicken Salad– Place the chili crisp chicken atop a bed of lettuce, adding shredded carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette with fresh ginger and a dash of soy sauce.
Recipe FAQs
What’s the difference between chili crunch and chili crisp?
While the terms are frequently used interchangeably, products labeled as chili crunch sometimes include additional crunchy elements.
What does chili crisp taste like?
Chili crisp presents a spicy and savory taste, accentuated by onion and/or garlic notes, culminating in a satisfying warmth.
More EASY Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I encourage you to explore more easy meals perfect for those busy nights!
You can discover all my easy chicken recipes here, or check out some of our readers’ favorite options listed below.
Sweet Chili Crisp Chicken Bites
This sweet and spicy chili crisp glaze wraps around succulent chicken bits, offering a dish that truly impresses! Whether presented as finger food with toothpicks or enjoyed alongside rice, this chili crisp chicken stands out as the perfect option!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
servings
Ingredients
For the Sweet Chili Crisp Sauce
Instructions
- Chop the chicken into 1-2 inch chunks. In a bowl or zip-top plastic bag, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, lime juice, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Mix until the chicken is fully coated in the marinade. For the sweet chili crisp sauce, blend together the chili crisp, honey, and lime juice. Set aside until the chicken is ready.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Once hot, add the chicken to the pan and let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, then stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Drizzle the sweet chili crisp sauce over the chicken and mix to combine. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, then remove from heat. Top with finely chopped green onions and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
Substitutions:- Feel free to use larger chicken pieces; adjust the cooking time accordingly since they will need more time to cook thoroughly.
How to Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Freeze: This Chili Crisp Chicken dish freezes well, whether you freeze it before or after cooking. Please see the “how to freeze” section in the original post for more information.
How to Reheat: Reheat in the microwave at 30-second intervals, or cover with aluminum foil and warm in the oven.
How to Scale: This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings or halved for smaller portions.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 489kcal(24%), Carbohydrates: 25g(8%), Protein: 48g(96%), Fat: 21g(32%), Saturated Fat: 3g(19%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat:
0.03g,
Cholesterol: 145mg (48%), Sodium: 896mg (39%), Potassium: 879mg (25%), Fiber: 0.3g (1%), Sugar: 18g (20%), Vitamin A: 76IU (2%), Vitamin C: 6mg (7%), Calcium: 17mg (2%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
