A Bite of Nostalgia: The Comfort of Sweet & Spicy Chicken
There’s something special about a dish that hits all the right notes—crispy, saucy, sweet, and spicy. For me, this Sweet & Spicy Crispy Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a memory wrapped in golden, crunchy goodness.
I remember the first time I had a dish like this at a small street-side eatery in Bangkok. The smell of sizzling garlic, the sight of glossy, caramelized sauce clinging to crispy chicken, and the fiery kick that lingered after each bite made it unforgettable. That moment sparked an obsession with recreating that perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness in my own kitchen.
This recipe brings that street-food magic home. It’s bold, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for casual dinners, family gatherings, or even a quick indulgence when you crave something exciting. Whether you’re a spice lover or a fan of crispy textures, this dish is bound to become a favorite.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
1. The Ultimate Crunch
Coating the chicken in tapioca powder or cornstarch ensures that it stays crispy even after being tossed in the sauce. Every bite delivers that perfect crunch before melting into juicy, flavorful goodness.
2. A Sauce That’s the Perfect Balance of Sweet & Heat
The sauce is where the magic happens. A combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, sriracha, brown sugar, and chili flakes creates a bold, umami-packed glaze that coats every inch of the crispy chicken. The heat is balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, creating an addictive flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
3. Quick & Easy to Make
Unlike deep-fried restaurant versions, this dish can be made in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
4. Pairs Well with Anything
Serve it with steamed rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps for a lighter twist. The flavors are so versatile that they work with almost any side.
Ingredients: A Perfect Balance of Heat and Sweet
For the Chicken:
- 320 g chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 200 g bell peppers (sliced, any color)
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup tapioca powder (or cornstarch)
- Oil for frying
For the Sweet & Spicy Sauce:
- 2 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili hot sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper or any chili powder
- 4 tbsp water
Directions: From Pan to Perfection
1. Prepare the Chicken for Crispiness
- In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and minced garlic.
- Add egg white and tapioca powder (or cornstarch), tossing until well coated.
2. Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the coated chicken pieces until crispy and golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per batch).
- Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
3. Create the Flavor-Packed Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, chili flakes, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ketchup, sriracha, rice vinegar, cayenne pepper, cornstarch, and water.
- Stir well until combined.
4. Bring it All Together
- In a clean pan, heat a little oil over medium heat and sauté the bell peppers for a minute.
- Pour in the prepared sauce, stirring until it thickens.
- Add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss until fully coated.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with extra chili flakes or sesame seeds (optional).
- Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or on its own!
Nutritional Breakdown: A Satisfying Bite
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-500 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fats | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
This Sweet & Spicy Crispy Chicken is the perfect blend of crunchy texture, fiery heat, and savory-sweet flavors, making it an instant favorite for any meal! Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!
The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Chicken
Achieving restaurant-quality crispy chicken at home is easier than you think. Here are some key tips:
- Use Egg White for the Coating: This helps the cornstarch or tapioca powder adhere better, creating a light, crispy crust.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: Too low, and the chicken absorbs oil and gets soggy; too high, and it burns before cooking through. Aim for 350°F (175°C) for the perfect crunch.
- Drain on a Wire Rack: Instead of placing fried chicken on paper towels, let it rest on a wire rack to prevent steam from softening the crust.
The Magic Behind the Sweet & Spicy Sauce
The sauce is what transforms this dish from simple crispy chicken to an explosion of flavors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role:
- Soy Sauce & Fish Sauce: These provide the deep, umami-rich base that enhances the overall taste.
- Brown Sugar & Ketchup: A touch of sweetness helps balance the heat while adding a slight caramelized stickiness.
- Sriracha & Chili Flakes: These bring the spicy kick that lingers just enough without overwhelming your taste buds.
- Rice Vinegar: A bit of acidity rounds out the sauce, preventing it from being too rich.
Want to tweak the heat level? Simply adjust the amount of chili flakes and sriracha to your preference.
Creative Ways to Serve This Dish
While this Sweet & Spicy Crispy Chicken is incredible on its own, here are a few fun ways to enjoy it:
1. Classic with Rice
Serve it over steamed jasmine or basmati rice, letting the extra sauce soak into the grains for a flavor-packed meal.
2. Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wraps
Wrap the crispy chicken in a warm tortilla with shredded lettuce, cucumbers, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a spicy, crunchy wrap.
3. Noodle Stir-Fry
Toss it with stir-fried lo mein or rice noodles for an extra-hearty meal.
4. Lettuce Wraps for a Lighter Option
For a fresh and healthy take, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves with a squeeze of lime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How Spicy is This Dish?
The spice level is medium but can be adjusted. For less heat, reduce the sriracha and chili flakes. For extra fire, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce.
2. Can I Use a Different Protein?
Yes! This sauce works beautifully with:
- Shrimp: Cook for only 2-3 minutes per side for a spicy seafood twist.
- Tofu: Coat tofu cubes in cornstarch and pan-fry until crispy before tossing them in the sauce.
- Pork or Beef: Thinly slice and stir-fry before adding the sauce.
3. Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and ensure your fish sauce is gluten-free.
4. What’s the Best Oil for Frying?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point works best, such as:
- Vegetable Oil
- Canola Oil
- Peanut Oil (for an extra layer of nuttiness)
5. How Do I Store & Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, use:
- Oven or Air Fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Skillet: Heat on medium with a splash of oil.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
A Dish That Brings Joy in Every Bite
Some meals are simply comfort in a bowl, and this Sweet & Spicy Crispy Chicken is exactly that. The perfect crunch, the bold and fiery sauce, and the touch of sweetness make it impossible to resist.
This dish is more than just a quick meal—it’s an experience. It’s about bringing flavors together in a way that excites your taste buds, whether you’re making it for yourself after a long day or serving it to impress your friends and family.
So, the next time you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive, give this recipe a try. You won’t regret it!
Print
Quick & Spicy Bell Pepper Chicken Stir Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
This Sweet & Spicy Crispy Chicken is the ultimate combination of crunch, heat, and sweetness in every bite. The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and coated in a bold, sticky sauce that balances fiery spice with a touch of caramelized sweetness. Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it as an appetizer—either way, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something deliciously bold and addictive!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 320 g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 200 g bell peppers, sliced (any color)
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup tapioca powder (or cornstarch)
- Oil for frying
For the Sweet & Spicy Sauce:
- 2 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili hot sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper or any chili powder
- 4 tbsp water
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Add the egg white and tapioca powder (or cornstarch), coating evenly.
Fry to Perfection:
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
- Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
Make the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, chili flakes, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ketchup, sriracha, rice vinegar, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, and water.
- Stir well to combine.
Bring Everything Together:
- In a clean pan, heat a little oil over medium heat and sauté the bell peppers for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the sauce and stir until it thickens.
- Toss in the crispy chicken and coat evenly with the sauce.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with extra chili flakes or sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot with rice, noodles, or as a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha and chili flakes.
- For a crispier texture, fry the chicken twice, letting it cool before a second quick fry.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for the best texture.
- Make it gluten-free by swapping soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry, Deep-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
