This Chili Crisp Chicken is spicy, sweet, and irresistibly good! Tender, juicy bites of chicken tossed in a sticky glaze made with honey, chili crisp, and lime … YUM.
Chicken bites are one of my favorite dishes to make. They’re universally loved, and so easy to make! Plus, they’re just so good. I’ve shared recipes for garlic chicken bites, Greek chicken bites, and ranch chicken bites, but this spicy chili crisp chicken recipe might just be the best yet!
If you haven’t had chili crisp yet, you’ve got to try it! It was traditionally served at American-Chinese restaurants, but in recent years it’s picked up steam – and for good reason. Generally made with peppers, onions, and/or garlic in chili oil, this spicy condiment is perfect with chicken.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- So easy – All you need is 25 minutes and just a few ingredients to whip up this spicy chili crisp chicken recipe.
- Spicy, but not TOO spicy – You’ll definitely get some heat with this honey chili crisp chicken, but the sweetness of the honey and the acid from the lime juice cuts down on the spiciness.
- Versatile – Serve chili crisp chicken breast with toothpicks for an easy appetizer, or scoop some over rice for an easy meal. Enjoy the leftovers in tacos or on a salad.
Recipe Notes
This Chili Crisp Chicken recipe is as simple as promised! Just 7 ingredients and 25 minutes for a family friendly meal.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make Chili Crisp Chicken to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
For the chicken bites:
- Chicken – You’ll want two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces.
- Sesame oil – For the quick marinade and for cooking the chicken.
- Lime juice – The acid in lime juice helps create the most tender bites of chicken, while also adding vibrant flavor.
- Cornstarch – Helps to soak up any excess moisture on the outside of the chicken while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
- Salt & pepper
- Garlic powder – The touch of garlic flavor is extra delicious in chili crisp chicken.
For the sauce:
- Chili crisp – Usually found in the Asian section of most grocery stores in a jar. I’ve seen it at well-stocked grocery stores including Trader Joes and Costco.
- Honey – Any honey will do; use your fave.
- Lime juice – For bright, zippy flavor and to tone down the heat (just a little).
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Chili Crisp Chicken Cutlets– This chili crisp chicken recipe works well with other cuts of chicken, too. Try chicken cutlets instead of smaller pieces of chicken by slicing a chicken breast in half horizontally. Keep in mind the cooking time might be longer with larger pieces of chicken.
- Extra Spicy Chili Crisp Chicken– Double the quantity of chili crisp for even spicier bites!
- Baked Chili Crisp Chicken Bites– Instead of cooking the chicken in a skillet, place it in a 9×13 baking dish and drizzle the sesame oil over the top. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until the internal temp reaches 165°F.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make Chili Crisp Chicken.
Add chicken pieces to a mixing bowl and top with sesame oil, lime juice, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Mix everything together until it is well combined and the chicken is evenly coated.
Add the remaining sesame oil to a skillet and add the chicken. Sauté until almost cooked through.
In a small bowl, mix together the chili crisp, honey, and lime juice.
Mix the sweet chili crisp sauce together until well-combined.
Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken. Cook for 1-2 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Recipe Tip
- Use an instant-read thermometer – You can tell when your chicken bites are done when they are no longer pink inside, but as extra insurance, insert an instant-read thermometer into the middle of one of the largest pieces. If it reads 165°F, your chicken is done.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Make ahead – Cut up the chicken, make the marinade, and make the sauce in advance, then store them separately in the fridge up to 3 days in advance. Then, when it’s time to make your chili crisp chicken breast, it’ll be a cinch!
- Ask your butcher to cut the chicken for you – Sometimes you can buy chicken already cut into bite-size pieces or the butcher can quickly do it for you.
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this Chili Crisp Chicken recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To freeze before cooking
- Cut up your chicken, make your marinade, and make the sauce.
- Place them separately in freezer bags or airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and make the chili crisp chicken as directed.
How to Freeze Chili Crisp Chicken After Cooking
- Make the recipe as written and let it cool to room temp.
- Place cooked chili crisp chicken in an airtight container or in a freezer bag. Place in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat.
What to Serve with Chili Crisp Chicken
Since this protein based dinner has the delicious flavors of onion and chilis, it will pair well with many of your favorite Asian-inspired side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
Chili Crisp Chicken Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Chili Crisp Chicken Tacos– Warm leftover chili crisp chicken and serve it in corn tortillas with coleslaw and pickled red onions.
- Chili Crisp Chicken Bowls– Serve chili crisp chicken over rice and top with sliced cucumbers, red bell pepper strips, and sliced avocado. Drizzle with a creamy dressing like ranch.
- Chili Crisp Chicken Salad– Top a bed of lettuce with chili crisp chicken. Add shredded carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes and a simple vinaigrette spruced up with fresh ginger and a splash of soy sauce.
Recipe FAQ’s
What’s the difference between chili crunch and chili crisp?
The two terms are usually used interchangeably, but sometimes condiments labeled chili crunch have more crunchy bits.
What does chili crisp taste like?
Chili crisp tastes spicy and savory, with a touch of onion and/or garlic and a good dose of heat at the finish.
More EASY Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy chicken recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
- Juicy Baked Chicken Bites
- Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bake
- Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
- Honey Sesame Chicken
- Saucy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Sweet Chili Crisp Chicken Bites
Ingredients
For the chicken bites
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, or chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoon sesame oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sweet Chili Crisp Sauce
- ¼ cup chili crisp
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Garnish
- 3 green onions diced, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1-2 inch pieces. Then in a bowl or zip top bag add the chicken, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, lime juice, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.Mix until the chicken is evenly coated in the mixture.
- To make the sweet chili crisp sauce, whisk together chili crisp, honey, and lime juice. Set aside until chicken is done.
- Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan. Place the chicken in the pan and let cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes, then stir the chicken bites and cook another 1-2 minutes.Pour the sweet chili crisp sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until chicken is done, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
- Chicken: You can use larger piece of chicken, just be sure to adjust the cooking time because they will take longer to cook.
Leave a Reply