Gluten-Free Asian Fried Chicken with Chili-Lime Dipping Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp fried chicken coated with a flavorful gluten-free batter served alongside a zesty chili-lime dipping sauce for a perfect balance of heat and tang. This thai (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes blends rice flour, cornstarch, baking powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup rice flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Gradually add 1 cup cold sparkling water, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
  2. Step 2: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Pat dry 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 2-inch pieces.
  3. Step 3: Dip each chicken piece into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: For the dipping sauce, whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp chili flakes, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce, and 1 tsp minced garlic until well combined.
  5. Step 5: Serve the fried chicken hot with the chili-lime dipping sauce on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Gluten-Free Asian Fried Chicken with Chili-Lime Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Gluten-Free Asian Fried Chicken with Chili-Lime Dipping Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gluten-Free Asian Fried Chicken with Chili-Lime Dipping Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Gluten-Free Asian Fried Chicken with Chili-Lime Dipping Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Gluten-Free Asian Fried Chicken with Chili-Lime Dipping Sauce gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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