CRISPY CHICKEN WITH SWEET CHILI LIME SAUCE
This Crispy Chicken with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce is hands down my favorite chicken recipe of the year!
I’ve personally recommended this dish to a lot of my family and friends — whether they have a passion for cooking or are just looking for a delicious dinner recipe — because it’s that good!
This dish has become a family favorite, especially on busy weeknights when we crave something comforting yet flavorful. The chicken thighs come out perfectly crispy every time, and the sweet chili lime sauce adds a delicious kick that we all love.
The first time I made this crispy chicken with sweet chili lime sauce, I was experimenting with flavors, hoping to create something both comforting and exciting. The result was better than I imagined—crispy, golden chicken thighs drizzled with a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that my family just couldn’t get enough of.
And now, I want to share this recipe with you and I hope you will love it as much as I do!
MAIN INGREDIENTS FOR CRISPY CHICKEN WITH SWEET CHILI LIME SAUCE
Chicken thighs – Skinless or with the skin on, it’s completely up to you! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them the perfect choice for this dish. They remain tender and succulent after frying, offering a rich taste that pairs wonderfully with the sweet chili lime sauce.
corn starch or flour – Essential for creating that crispy and crunchy coating on the chicken. I personally recommend using corn starch because gives an extra crispiness, but regular flour will work just as well and will provide a more traditional texture.
Cilantro – Fresh cilantro is an essential ingredient in many traditional Thai dishes and a significant source of flavor for this recipe. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can easily substitute it with parsley or basil for a different yet still delicious taste.
Jalapeño – Jalapeño does more than adding a bit of spice and kick to the dish. Its unique flavor complements the other ingredients beautifully and I highly recommend adding at least a few slices to the sauce for an extra layer of deliciousness!
Sweet Thai Chili Sauce – The star of the sauce! Sweet chili sauce offers a perfect blend of sweetness and mild heat. It forms the base of the sauce, complementing the crispy chicken with its sticky and flavorful profile.
Fresh Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a zesty, tangy brightness to the sauce, cutting through the richness of the fried chicken and balancing the sweetness of the chili sauce. It’s the key to achieving that refreshing flavor.
Soy Sauce & Fish Sauce – Both soy sauce and fish sauce play crucial roles in this recipe by adding depth and umami. Soy sauce brings a rich, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish, while fish sauce provides a subtle, complex umami note.
HOW TO MAKE CRISPY CHICKEN WITH SWEET CHILI LIME SAUCE
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1. Marinate the Chicken:
• Marinate the chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
• In a bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: sliced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, sweet thai chili sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and fresh lime juice. Mix until well combined and set aside.
3. Coat the Chicken:
• Fully coat each chicken thigh with corn starch or flour on both sides. Corn starch will give them a slightly crispier coating, but both work well.
4. Fry the Chicken:
• Heat about 3 tablespoons of oil (enough to fully cover the bottom of the pan) in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, place the prepared chicken thighs in the pan in an even layer.
• Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Serve:
• Plate the fried chicken thighs and add a generous amount of chili lime sauce on each one. Serve with a side of steamed rice and enjoy!
TIPS AND NOTES
Marinating:
• For ricker flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes.
• You can add a bit of minced garlic or ginger to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.
Sauce Adjustments:
• Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the heat level. Removing the seeds will make it milder.
• Add more lime juice for extra tanginess or more sweet chili sauce for sweetness.
Coating and Frying:
• Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with corn starch or flour for a uniform crispy texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Serving Suggestions:
• Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors.
• Garnish with additional chopped cilantro or lime wedges for a fresh touch.
Crispy Chicken with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup corn starch or flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 jalapeño - sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 3 tbsp sweet thai chili sauce
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic or onion - optional
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Fully coat each chicken thigh with corn starch or flour on both sides (corn starch gives them a slightly crispier coating, but they both work!)
- Heat about 3 tablespoons of oil (enough to fully cover the bottom of the pan) in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, place the prepared chicken thighs in the pan in an even layer. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Plate the fried chicken thighs and add a generous amount of chili lime sauce on each one. Serve with a side of steamed rice and enjoy!
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