If you’re craving the bold, fiery flavors of your favorite Asian fusion restaurant, look no further than this Pf Chang Spicy Chicken recipe. This dish perfectly balances a spicy kick with savory, tangy undertones that will excite your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or impressing guests with an irresistible homemade meal, this recipe is straightforward, quick, and incredibly satisfying. The crispy chicken coated in a vibrant, spicy sauce creates a mouthwatering combination that’s both comforting and exciting.
Plus, making this at home means you can adjust the heat level and ingredients to suit your preferences perfectly.
In this post, I’ll guide you through every step—from the ingredients and equipment needed to tips for making the dish even better. Get ready to bring the flavors of Pf Chang’s right into your kitchen with this delicious spicy chicken recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pf Chang Spicy Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s packed with bold, complex flavors that combine sweet, spicy, and tangy notes in every bite.
The chicken is perfectly crispy, thanks to a simple batter, and the homemade sauce brings all the elements together harmoniously.
Additionally, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize. Whether you prefer your food mild or blazing hot, you can adjust the spice levels by varying the chili paste or adding fresh peppers.
It’s also a great option for meal prepping or quick dinners, as it cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.
Finally, making this dish at home lets you avoid the preservatives and excessive sodium often found in takeout, resulting in a fresher, healthier alternative without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup water
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Deep frying pan or wok
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Paper towels
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and water until combined. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and all-purpose flour.
- Coat the chicken: Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then toss them in the cornstarch-flour mixture until fully coated. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or wok, filling it about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or until a small piece of batter sizzles immediately when dropped in.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Add the fried chicken to the saucepan and toss well to coat every piece with the spicy sauce evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.
Tips & Variations
For an extra crispy coating, double dip the chicken pieces by dipping again in the egg mixture and flour mixture before frying.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili garlic sauce, or mix in fresh chopped chili peppers for a fresher heat.
You can swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful. For a gluten-free version, use rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Want to add some veggies? Stir-fry bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli and toss them in with the chicken right before serving for added nutrition and color.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 420 kcal |
Protein | 35 g |
Fat | 18 g |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Sugar | 8 g |
Sodium | 900 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This spicy chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried noodles or a simple cucumber salad to balance the heat with a refreshing crunch.
For an appetizer-style presentation, serve the chicken over a bed of shredded lettuce with a squeeze of lime and extra green onions. It also makes a fantastic filling for wraps or bao buns if you’re feeling adventurous!
Conclusion
Making Pf Chang Spicy Chicken at home is not only fun but incredibly rewarding. This recipe captures the irresistible combination of crispy chicken and a flavorful, spicy sauce that is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
It’s perfect for those who love bold flavors and want to enjoy restaurant-quality dishes without the hassle of takeout.
With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in under an hour. Customize the spice level to your liking, add your favorite veggies, and enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive.
Don’t forget to check out our other recipes like Easy Garlic Noodles, Classic Fried Rice, and Homemade Spring Rolls to complete your Asian-inspired feast!
📖 Recipe Card: PF Chang Spicy Chicken
Description: A flavorful and spicy chicken dish inspired by PF Chang's signature recipe. Perfectly balanced with a kick of heat and savory notes.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Mix soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar in a bowl.
- Pour sauce mixture into the pan and stir to coat chicken evenly.
- Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 30 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 10 g
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