Salt and Chilli Chicken is one of my favorite takeout-style dishes to make at home! It’s spicy, crispy, and packed with bold flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Pair it with crispy chips, stir-fried veggies, and a drizzle of curry sauce, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a treat but is surprisingly easy to make. Plus, using an air fryer keeps it light and guilt-free. Let me walk you through this flavorful recipe step by step!
Method
Prep the Chicken
Begin by preparing the chicken to ensure it absorbs all the bold salt and chilli flavors. In a mixing bowl, combine 300g of diced chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Sprinkle in a portion of the salt and chilli seasoning (reserve some for later) along with 1 tablespoon of cornflour. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the marinade and seasoning. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking and crispiness. Lightly spray the chicken with oil to promote a golden, crispy exterior. Cook the chicken for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides become evenly crispy. The chicken should be fully cooked through and have a delightful crunch on the outside. Once done, remove the chicken from the air fryer and set it aside while you prepare the other components of the dish.
Make the Chips
While the chicken is air frying, prepare the crispy chips. Start by cutting 400g of Maris Piper potatoes into even, chip-sized pieces. Rinse the potato slices under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) if it’s not already heated. Place the potato chips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spraying them lightly with oil. Cook the chips for 25 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides. Once golden and crispy, remove the chips from the air fryer and keep them warm until ready to serve.
Cook the Veggies
While the chicken and chips are cooking, prepare the vibrant stir-fried vegetables. Heat a large wok or frying pan over medium heat and add a splash of soy sauce to infuse the veggies with flavor. Add the diced onion, red pepper, and green pepper to the wok, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain a slight crunch. Add the crushed garlic cloves to the wok and continue to stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic flavor without burning. The veggies should be tender yet crisp, providing a fresh and colorful complement to the spicy chicken and crispy chips.
Combine Everything
Once the chicken and chips are cooked, it’s time to bring all the components together. Add the crispy chicken pieces and air-fried chips to the wok with the stir-fried vegetables. Pour in another splash of soy sauce and sprinkle the remaining salt and chilli seasoning over the mixture to ensure everything is well-coated and bursting with flavor. Use tongs or a spatula to toss everything together gently, making sure the chicken, chips, and veggies are evenly distributed and infused with the savory seasoning. This combination creates a harmonious blend of spicy, salty, and crunchy textures that make the dish irresistibly delicious.
Serve
Your Salt and Chilli Chicken is now ready to be enjoyed! Transfer the mixture to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped spring onions for a burst of color and added freshness. Serve the dish hot, accompanied by a side of steamed broccoli for a nutritious and balanced meal. For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle some Mayflower curry sauce over the top or serve it on the side for dipping. This meal is perfect for a cozy dinner at home, offering the satisfying tastes of takeout with the ease and health benefits of homemade cooking. Enjoy your flavorful and guilt-free Salt and Chilli Chicken!
Salt and Chilli Chicken
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Large wok or frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board and knife
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 300 g diced chicken thighs
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- For the Chips:
- 400 g Maris Piper potatoes cut into chips
- For the Veggies:
- 1 diced onion
- 1 diced red pepper
- 1 diced green pepper
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- Spring onions for garnish
- For the Salt and Pepper Seasoning makes extra to store:
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sweetener
- 0.5 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp chilli flakes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp Chinese five spice
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken thighs with 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, a sprinkle of the salt and pepper seasoning, and 1 tbsp cornflour. Mix well to coat.
- Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken. Place the seasoned chicken in your air fryer basket, spray with oil, and cook at 190°C for 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway through until crispy.
- Step 3: Make the Chips. Cut the potatoes into chips and air fry for 25 minutes at 180°C, shaking occasionally for even crispiness.
- Step 4: Cook the Veggies. While the chicken and chips are cooking, heat a wok over medium heat with a splash of soy sauce. Add the diced onion, red and green peppers, and crushed garlic. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the veggies are slightly softened.
- Step 5: Combine Everything. Once the chicken and chips are done, add them to the wok with the veggies. Toss everything together with another splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of the salt and pepper seasoning to ensure it’s evenly coated.
- Step 6: Serve. Garnish with spring onions and serve hot with a side of broccoli and Mayflower curry sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Space out the chicken and chips to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
- Stir Veggies Carefully: Don’t overcook the peppers; they should stay slightly crunchy for the best texture.
- Season to Taste: The salt and pepper seasoning is bold, so start with a little and add more as needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with steamed rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
- Add extra chili flakes on top if you like more heat.
- For a fun twist, serve it in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Chinese Five Spice is made up of five key flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami? It’s a blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel seeds, and Sichuan peppercorns, giving dishes a balanced and complex flavor.
Conclusion
This Salt and Chilli Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. It combines crispy chicken, spicy seasoning, and colorful veggies into one irresistible meal. Plus, it’s lighter and fresher than takeout! Give it a try and let me know how you like it. Happy cooking! 🌶🥢