This Chili Crisp Chicken is packed with spice, sweetness, and is simply irresistible! Succulent, tender pieces of chicken coated in a sticky mix of honey, chili crisp, and lime … delicious!
Chicken bites are among my favorite meals to prepare. They enjoy universal appeal and are incredibly easy to make! Plus, they taste absolutely amazing. I’ve previously shared recipes for garlic chicken bites, Greek chicken bites, and ranch chicken bites, but this spicy chili crisp chicken recipe may just take the prize!
If you’ve yet to experience chili crisp, you should definitely give it a try! Traditionally found at American-Chinese restaurants, it has gained popularity in recent years—and rightfully so. Typically made with peppers, onions, and/or garlic combined in chili oil, this spicy condiment is ideal for chicken dishes.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- So easy – You only need 25 minutes and a handful of ingredients to prepare this spicy chili crisp chicken recipe.
- Spicy, but not OVERLY spicy – You’ll enjoy a bit of kick from this honey chili crisp chicken, but the sweetness from the honey and the acidity of the lime juice balance out the heat.
- Versatile – Present chili crisp chicken breast with toothpicks for an effortless appetizer or pour it over rice for a straightforward meal. Use leftovers in tacos or atop a salad.
Recipe Notes
This Chili Crisp Chicken recipe is as straightforward as it sounds! Just 7 ingredients and 25 minutes for a meal that the whole family will enjoy.
In this section, I will cover a few tips and tricks for making Chili Crisp Chicken to achieve the ultimate deliciousness.
Be sure to scroll down for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
For the chicken bites:
- Chicken – You will need two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Sesame oil – Used for marinating quickly and for cooking the chicken.
- Lime juice – The acidity of lime juice contributes to creating the most tender chicken bites while also infusing them with vibrant flavor.
- Cornstarch – This ingredient helps absorb any excess moisture on the chicken’s exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
- Salt & pepper
- Garlic powder – Adds a lovely hint of garlic flavor to the chili crisp chicken.
For the sauce:
- Chili crisp – Typically found in the Asian section of most supermarkets in a jar. It’s often available at well-stocked stores like Trader Joe’s and Costco.
- Honey – Feel free to use any variety of honey you prefer.
- Lime juice – For an extra burst of bright, tangy flavor.
and to slightly reduce the heat level.
Don’t forget to check the recipe card at the end of this post for the complete list of ingredients and their quantities.
Recipe Variations
If you cherish this recipe as much as we do and wish to add some variety, a few simple adjustments can do just that!
- Chili Crisp Chicken Cutlets– This chili crisp chicken idea can also be adapted to other chicken cuts. Consider using chicken cutlets by slicing a chicken breast horizontally. Note that larger pieces may require a longer cooking time.
- Extra Spicy Chili Crisp Chicken– Increase the amount of chili crisp for an even spicier flavor profile!
- Baked Chili Crisp Chicken Bites– Rather than frying the chicken in a skillet, you can place the pieces in a 9×13 baking dish and drizzle sesame oil on top. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Recipe Step by Step
I will emphasize several crucial steps from the recipe here, but be sure to refer to the recipe card for detailed instructions on preparing Chili Crisp Chicken.
Add the chicken pieces to a mixing bowl, and then add sesame oil, lime juice, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Combine all the ingredients thoroughly until well mixed.
Next, pour the remaining sesame oil into a skillet and add the chicken pieces. Sauté until they are nearly fully cooked.
In a small bowl, combine the chili crisp, honey, and lime juice.
Combine the sweet chili crisp sauce until it is fully mixed.
Pour the sauce over the prepared chicken. Allow to cook for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Cooking Tip
- Use an instant-read thermometer – You can determine when your chicken bites are cooked through when there’s no pink remaining, but for added assurance, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest portion of one of the larger pieces. If the reading is 165°F, your chicken is fully cooked.
Cooking Shortcuts
If you wish to prepare this recipe but are pressed for time, here are a few tips that can help streamline the process!
- Prepare in advance – Slice the chicken, create the marinade, and mix the sauce ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to cook your chili crisp chicken breast, it will be quick and easy!
- Have your butcher do the cutting – Many times, you can find chicken pre-cut into bite-sized pieces, or your butcher might be able to cut it for you swiftly.
Freezer Meal Instructions
Transforming this Chili Crisp Chicken recipe into a freezer meal is a breeze! Just follow the steps outlined below, and you can keep this dish in the freezer for as long as 6 months.
To freeze before cooking
- Prepare your chicken by cutting it up, then make the marinade and sauce.
- Individually store them in freezer bags or airtight containers and freeze for up to 6 months.
- When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and prepare the chili crisp chicken as instructed.
How to Freeze Chili Crisp Chicken After Cooking
- Cook the recipe as directed and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the cooked chili crisp chicken to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it for up to 6 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve with Chili Crisp Chicken
This protein-packed meal, featuring the delightful flavors of onions and chilis, pairs wonderfully with various Asian-inspired side dishes.
Select one or more of the following sides to create a balanced, satisfying dinner. You’ll find both traditional and health-conscious options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
Chili Crisp Chicken Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers after making this dish, consider yourself fortunate! They store well and can form the base for another tasty meal.
To preserve leftovers, portion them into meal-sized servings and store in an airtight container. They can be kept:
- In the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- In the freezer for up to one month
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few creative ways to give those leftovers a delicious twist!
- Chili Crisp Chicken Tacos– Heat the leftover chili crisp chicken and serve 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. Finish with a drizzle of a creamy dressing like ranch.
- Chili Crisp Chicken Salad– Place the chili crisp chicken on a bed of lettuce. Add shredded carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette enhanced with fresh ginger and a splash of soy sauce.
Recipe FAQs
What’s the difference between chili crunch and chili crisp?
Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, sometimes products labeled as chili crunch contain additional crunchy ingredients.
What does chili crisp taste like?
Chili crisp delivers a spicy and savory flavor, complemented by hints of onion and/or garlic and a satisfying heat at the end.
More EASY Chicken Recipes
You can find all my easy chicken recipes here, or check out some of our readers’ favorites listed below.
Sweet Chili Crisp Chicken Bites
This sweet and spicy chili crisp glaze envelops tender, juicy chicken bites, delivering a dish that packs a punch! Whether served with toothpicks as an appetizer or alongside rice as a main course, this chili crisp chicken shines as the ultimate choice!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
servings
Ingredients
For the Sweet Chili Crisp Sauce
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1-2 inch pieces. In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, lime juice, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.Toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the mixture.
To prepare the sweet chili crisp sauce, mix together chili crisp, honey, and lime juice. Set it aside until the chicken is ready.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Add the chicken to the pan and allow it to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, then stir the chicken pieces and cook for another 1-2 minutes.Pour the sweet chili crisp sauce over the chicken and toss to combine. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, then take it off the heat.
Garnish with finely sliced green onions and serve while warm.
Recipe Notes
Substitutions:- You can opt for larger pieces of chicken; just remember to adjust the cooking time, as they will require a longer duration to cook through.
How to Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Freeze: This Chili Crisp Chicken recipe is great for freezing. You can freeze it either before or after cooking. For detailed instructions, refer to the “how to freeze” section in the original post.
How to Reheat: Reheat in the microwave at 30-second intervals, or cover with aluminum foil and place it in the oven to warm through.
How to Scale: You can easily double this recipe if you’re serving a gathering, or halve it for smaller servings.
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%)
