Spicy chicken fillet is a popular chicken dish made by coating chicken breast fillets in a spicy breadcrumb coating and then frying them. The spicy coating provides a crunchy texture and fiery kick of heat that contrasts nicely with the juicy, tender chicken fillet inside. Spicy chicken fillets are easy to make at home and are a great way to add excitement to chicken dishes.
Ingredients for Spicy Chicken Fillets
The main ingredients needed to make spicy chicken fillets are:
- Chicken breast fillets – Skinless, boneless chicken breast fillets cut into strips or medallions.
- Flour – All-purpose flour helps the spicy breadcrumb coating stick to the chicken.
- Eggs – Beaten eggs also help the coating adhere to the chicken.
- Spicy breadcrumbs – Store-bought or homemade breadcrumbs seasoned with spices like cayenne, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, etc.
- Salt and pepper – For seasoning the chicken.
- Oil for frying – Vegetable, canola or peanut oil to fry the fillets to a golden brown crisp.
How to Make Crispy Spicy Chicken Fillets
Here is a simple step-by-step recipe to make spicy fried chicken fillets at home:
- Rinse the chicken breast fillets and pat them dry. Cut or pound the fillets to an even 1/2 inch thickness.
- Place flour in one shallow bowl and whisked eggs in another shallow bowl.
- In a third bowl, mix together spicy breadcrumbs, a tablespoon of the flour and spices like cayenne, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Season the chicken fillets lightly with salt and pepper.
- One by one, coat the fillets in flour, dip in the egg mixture and then press into the spicy breadcrumb mixture. Ensure the coating sticks to the chicken well on all sides.
- Heat 1-2 inches of oil in a frying pan over medium high heat until shimmering. Working in batches if needed, add the coated fillets carefully to the hot oil.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until deeply golden brown and cooked through. Adjust heat to prevent burning.
- Drain the fried chicken fillets on a paper towel lined plate.
- Serve hot with desired sauces and sides.
Tips for Extra Crispy and Flavorful Spicy Fillets
- Use very fresh, high quality chicken for best texture and flavor.
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness so it cooks evenly.
- Let the chicken rest in the flour and egg for a few minutes each to better adhere the coating.
- Use very crunchy, coarse panko breadcrumbs for extra crispy fillets.
- Chill the breaded fillets for 20-30 mins before frying for crisper coating.
- Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature. Don’t overcrowd.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temp at 350-375°F for optimal frying.
- Season the flour and breadcrumbs generously for lots of flavor.
- Toss in some cayenne or chili flakes for an extra spicy kick.
- Serve immediately for hot and ultra crispy fillets.
Different Ways to Enjoy Spicy Chicken Fillets
Here are some tasty serving suggestions for spicy chicken fillets:
- Serve as an appetizer with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Include in tacos, sandwiches, wraps or on top of salads.
- Slice and toss with pasta, rice or noodles for a main dish.
- Serve with French fries or potato wedges and coleslaw.
- Pair with barbecue sauce, honey mustard or other fun sauces.
- Use in stir fries, fajitas or kabobs for extra flavor and crunch.
- Add to pizza, nachos or casseroles to liven them up.
Conclusion
Spicy chicken fillet is a versatile chicken dish that is crunchy, juicy and fiery hot. It starts with chicken breast fillets that are coated in flavorful spicy breadcrumbs and fried until crispy. The full flavor coating contrasts beautifully with the tenderness of the chicken. Spicy chicken fillets can be served on their own as a snack or appetizer or incorporated into all kinds of delicious entrees and side dishes. With a little prep, this chicken dish can spice up any meal!