Delicious Chilli Chicken with Garlic-Ginger Sauce Magic

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Aniela Recipes Team

There s a special kind of joy that fills the kitchen when the sizzle of marinated chicken meets hot oil. As I watch the golden pieces transform, I can t help but reminisce about the first time I created this delightful Chilli Chicken dish. It was during a casual dinner with friends, where everyone s laughter blended with the aroma of garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice.

What I love most about this recipe is its effortless charm; it s perfect for those bustling weeknights when you crave something comforting yet exciting enough to break free from the mundane takeout routine. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a spectacular meal that s bursting with flavor and sure to impress.

Whether you re a seasoned chef or someone just discovering the joys of cooking, this Chilli Chicken with Garlic-Ginger-Onion Sauce will captivate your taste buds and perhaps ignite a newfound passion for home-cooked creations. Let s dive in!

Why is Chilli Chicken a Must-Try?

Effortless Preparation: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy nights.
Flavor Explosion: The garlic, ginger, and spices meld beautifully, delivering a dish brimming with robust flavor.
Versatile Pairing: Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal, or pile it on top of a fresh salad for a lighter option.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Whether it s family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Timely Cooking: Whip it up in no time perfect for those who want delicious homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this incredible dish and explore more fabulous options in our easy chicken recipes.

Chilli Chicken Ingredients

For the Marinade

• Boneless chicken 1 ½ lbs of dark meat gives a juicier flavor and texture.
• Garlic-ginger-onion mix 2 tablespoons reserved from marinade adds depth to the sauce.
• Soy sauce 1 ½ tablespoon to enhance the umami taste.
• Chilli powder ½ tablespoon (or cayenne pepper) for a punch that complements the dish.
• Black pepper 1 teaspoon to elevate the flavor profile.
• Water 3-4 tablespoons to help marinate the chicken.

For the Sauce

• Ginger 3-4 slices for a fresh, zesty kick in the sauce.
• Garlic 2-3 cloves, finely chopped for that bold aroma.
• Onion ½ small onion, adds sweetness when caramelized.
• Green pepper ½, chopped for a crunchy texture.
• Green chillis 5-6 (or green Thai chillis) for an extra layer of heat.
• Dark soy sauce 1 ½ tablespoon for a richer color and flavor.
• Rice vinegar 1 tablespoon brings a tangy balance to the dish.
• Honey 1 tablespoon to soften the spice with a touch of sweetness.
• Corn starch 6-7 tablespoons for coating before frying, creating a crispy texture.
• Corn starch mixed with water 2 teaspoons with 4 teaspoons of water helps thicken the sauce.
• Chilli powder 1 ½ teaspoon (or cayenne pepper) for a deeper heat element.
• Water ½ cup to adjust sauce consistency.

These ingredients come together to create a tantalizing Chilli Chicken that will transform your weeknight dinners into a culinary celebration!

How to Make Chilli Chicken

1. Blitz the Paste: Use a food processor to finely blend the ginger, garlic, and half a small onion. Reserve 2 tablespoons for browning later. This paste is the flavor foundation for your dish, so make it nice and smooth!

2. Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and place them in a bowl with the ginger-garlic-onion paste, soy sauce, chilli powder, black pepper, and water. Let it marinate in the fridge for 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavors.

3. Prep the Vegetables: Chop the green peppers and remaining onion into bite-sized pieces, setting them aside for later. This adds both color and texture to your dish!

4. Create the Sauce Mix: Slice the chillis and add them to a small bowl. Combine the remaining sauce ingredients (except for the corn starch) to create a flavorful mix that will enhance your chicken.

5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of corn starch with 4 teaspoons of cold water. Incorporate this into your sauce mixture to help it thicken beautifully as it cooks.

6. Coat the Chicken: Sprinkle 6-7 tablespoons of corn starch over the marinated chicken, mixing until each piece is lightly coated. This gives your chicken that delicious crispy texture when fried!

7. Heat the Oil: In a wok, frying pan, or deep fryer, heat oil to 350 °F (177 °C). It should shimmer and sizzle, ready for the chicken to be added.

8. Fry the Chicken: Add the chicken in batches to the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

9. Toast the Paste: In the same wok or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the reserved ginger-garlic-onion mix, cooking until it s toasty and fragrant about 1-2 minutes.

10. Add the Vegetables: Throw in the chopped onions and green peppers, cooking for about 2 minutes until they become slightly crisp a vibrant addition to your dish!

11. Combine the Sauce: Stir the sauce mix into the pan, blending everything together and cooking until the sauce thickens, enveloping the vegetables in flavor.

12. Coat with Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat, add the crispy chicken, and mix until every piece is beautifully coated with that savory sauce.

Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for added flavor and a pop of color.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Chilli Chicken Variations

Feel free to play around with this recipe and make it your own; the possibilities are endless!

• Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based delight that s just as delicious. It s a great way to enjoy the same vibrant flavors without meat!

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free, allowing everyone to enjoy in confidence.

• Spicy Twist: For an extra kick, add a splash of Sriracha or a few more green chillis into the marinade or sauce. Your taste buds will thank you for the adventurous heat!

• Nutty Flavor: Incorporate a touch of sesame oil into the sauce for a delightful nutty depth. It adds a unique flavor profile that will intrigue your guests!

• Sweet and Sour: Swap out the honey for brown sugar and add pineapple chunks to create a sweet and savory mix that enhances the dish s complexity.

• Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint just before serving to brighten the dish with freshness and color. The contrast will be simply vibrant!

• Coconut Cream: Enjoy a creamy texture by adding a tablespoon of coconut cream to the sauce, which rounds out the flavors beautifully. It s a tropical twist you won t want to miss!

• Seafood Delight: Replace chicken with shrimp or fish fillets for a delightful seafood version that cooks up quickly perfect for a light but robust meal.

How to Store and Freeze Chilli Chicken

Fridge: Store leftover Chilli Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

Freezer: Freeze Chilli Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stovetop until heated through.

Wrap Well: Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before freezing, and use freezer-safe bags for best results. Label the bags with the date for easy reference.

Reheating Tips: For a crispy texture upon reheating, place the thawed chicken in a hot skillet for a few minutes to restore that delightful crunch.

What to Serve with Chilli Chicken?

Spice up your meal with some delightful sides that elevate your Chilli Chicken experience.

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fluffy, fragrant base that soaks up the savory sauce, making every bite pure bliss. The delicate aroma complements the bold flavors beautifully.

• Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy delights add texture and a refreshing element, packed with fresh veggies and herbs that balance the spicy chicken wonderfully.

• Garlic Noodles: Soft, garlicky noodles offer a luscious complement, ensuring each forkful of chicken is paired with something cozy and satisfying.

• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A vibrant medley of colorful vegetables brings freshness and crunch, enhancing the meal with a nutritious twist. They re quick to prepare and add a lovely crunch!

• Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a tangy dressing provides a perfect contrast to the heat of the chicken, cleansing the palate with every bite.

• Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling can balance the spiciness, making it a delightful addition to your dining experience.

• Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a silky chocolate mousse will be the perfect sweet ending, providing rich flavors to contrast the savory heat of the meal and leaving everyone satisfied.

Make Ahead Options

These Chilli Chicken bites are ideal for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy nights! You can marinade the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply. Simply combine the chicken pieces with the ginger-garlic-onion paste, soy sauce, chilli powder, black pepper, and water, then refrigerate. Additionally, you can chop the vegetables (like green peppers and onions) and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain that crispy texture when ready to serve, fry the chicken just before tossing it in the sauce. Once you re set to enjoy, follow the final steps quickly, and you ll relish in a delicious home-cooked meal with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Chilli Chicken

• Homemade Coat: Before frying, coat the chicken thoroughly with corn starch to ensure each piece turns out crispy and golden.

• Marinating Magic: Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight if possible. More time enhances the flavor of the Chilli Chicken significantly!

• Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough (350 °F/177 °C) before adding the chicken to achieve that perfect crispy texture too cool, and the chicken may get soggy.

• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan. This helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures crispy pieces.

• Taste and Adjust: Don t hesitate to taste the sauce before adding the chicken. Adjust the spices to your preference for the perfect flavor balance!

• Garnish for Joy: Finish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and a burst of freshness that elevates the dish.

Chilli Chicken Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken should I use for Chilli Chicken?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and tenderness, I recommend using boneless dark meat chicken. It retains moisture during cooking, making your Chilli Chicken succulent and enjoyable.

How can I store leftover Chilli Chicken?
Very! Store leftover Chilli Chicken in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to keep it moist and flavorful.

Can I freeze Chilli Chicken?
You bet! To freeze, place the Chilli Chicken in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, ensuring it s completely cooled. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet to restore its crispy texture.

What s the best way to reheat Chilli Chicken?
For optimal enjoyment, I recommend reheating the thawed Chilli Chicken in a hot skillet. This helps bring back that delightful crunch. Heat over medium until warmed through, roughly 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain moisture.

Are there any allergenic ingredients in Chilli Chicken?
Yes, be mindful! The recipe includes soy sauce, which contains wheat and may not be suitable for those with gluten allergies. You can substitute with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Additionally, check the chilli powders for any potential allergens.

What level of spice can I expect with this Chilli Chicken?
The spice level is adjustable! If you re sensitive to heat, use less chilli powder or omit the green chillis, and you can add more after tasting. On the other hand, if you enjoy a fiery kick, feel free to add more spices to suit your taste!