If you’re like me and love bold, spicy flavors that pack a punch, this Chang’s Spicy Chicken Recipe will be your new favorite!

I’ve always enjoyed the vibrant flavors in Chinese cuisine, and this dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly mouthwatering. The best part? It’s super easy to make at home without any fancy tools.

Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something a little more exciting, this recipe has got you covered.

Table of Contents

Chang’s Spicy Chicken Recipe

Recipe Overview:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Chinese
Course: Main Course
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 4 servings
Calories Per Serving: 380 kcal

Ingredients:

For The Chicken:

1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
¼ cup arrowroot flour (for coating)
Frying oil (vegetable, canola, or any oil of your choice)

For The Sauce:

2 tbsp sambal oelek (chili paste)
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp sesame oil
3 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if preferred)
½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
¼ cup water
1 tbsp arrowroot flour (mixed with 2 tbsp water for slurry)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken

Chop the chicken breasts into small pieces to begin. To ensure even cooking, I prefer to keep them uniform.
In a shallow dish, coat the chicken pieces with arrowroot flour. This helps give them a light, crispy texture when fried.
Heat your frying oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Place the cooked chicken on a platter covered with paper towels.

Step 2: Make The Sauce

While your chicken is frying, let’s get started on the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together sambal oelek, garlic powder, sesame oil, soy sauce, chili flakes, rice vinegar, sugar, and water.
In a separate bowl, make a slurry by mixing arrowroot flour with water. This will help thicken the sauce later.

Step 3: Combine Chicken And Sauce

Over medium heat, preheat a large skillet or wok. Once the sauce mixture is in the skillet, reduce heat and simmer.
Add the arrowroot slurry to the simmering sauce and stir until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the crispy chicken to the sauce, tossing everything to ensure the chicken is fully coated.

Step 4: Serve

Garnish your dish with finely chopped green onions and an extra sprinkle of chili flakes if you like things even spicier.
Serve immediately with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies for a complete meal!

Tips And Variations

Substitute The Chicken: If you’re out of chicken breasts or prefer dark meat, try this recipe with chicken thighs for a juicier bite.
Make It Gluten-Free: Ensure you’re using a gluten-free soy sauce if you want to keep this recipe gluten-free. Tamari or coconut aminos are great alternatives.
Add Some Veggies: You can toss in some broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas into the sauce for a more colorful and nutritious meal.
Heat levels: Adjust the heat to your liking by adding more sambal oelek or chili flakes if you really want that fiery kick.

Serving Suggestions

This Chang’s Spicy Chicken pairs perfectly with a steaming bowl of jasmine rice or fried rice for that ultimate takeout feel.

Want to go the healthier route? Serve it alongside a simple stir-fry of your favorite veggies or over a bed of quinoa for a twist.

You can also top it with extra green onions, sesame seeds, or even a drizzle of sriracha for some added heat and flavor.

Is Chang’s Spicy Chicken Spicy?

Yes! Chang’s Spicy Chicken lives up to its name, thanks to the combination of sambal oelek and chili flakes.

However, the beauty of making it at home is that you can easily control the spice level. If you like things milder, just reduce the chili elements, but if you’re a spice lover like me, crank it up!

What is the Spicy Sauce at PF Chang’s?

The spicy sauce used in PF Chang’s Spicy Chicken is known for its balanced blend of heat, sweetness, and umami.

It typically includes chili paste, soy sauce, and a hint of vinegar. This homemade version stays true to those flavors while allowing you to customize the intensity.

Is Chang’s Spicy Chicken Like General Tso’s?

Although both dishes are deliciously coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, Chang’s Spicy Chicken tends to be spicier and slightly less sweet compared to General Tso’s, which usually features a more syrupy glaze.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more heat and less sweetness, Chang’s Spicy Chicken is the way to go!

Conclusion

If you love Changs Spicy Chicken from the restaurant, you’ll adore this homemade version. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and customizable to your taste.

I can’t wait for you to try this Chang’s Spicy Chicken Recipe at home. If you do, don’t forget to leave a comment and share your experience or ask any questions. Happy cooking!

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Naznin Aktar

Recipe Developer at Naznin's Kitchen

Hello! I'm Naznin Aktar, the food enthusiast and recipe curator at Naznin's Kitchen. Want to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes? Explore Naznin's Kitchen for a collection of recipes that are sure to inspire your inner chef and delight your loved ones.