25+ chilli recipes that are a sure-fire hit to spice up mealtimes
Bring the heat with recipes that are guaranteed to make your mouth water.
If you're a fan of fire (or even just like a little dash of heat) you'll know there's something positively addictive about chillies. The tingle on your tongue, the way they make your mouth water, and the endorphin rush you get from eating something spicy is an experience we're drawn to time and time again.
It's not just the heat of chillies that is appealing either, they bring lovely flavour to anything they're added to - whether it's the almost grassy herbal notes of a jalapeño, the smokey resonance of chipotle or mild paprika, or the intense tropical fruitiness of scotch bonnets, there are as many flavour profiles of chillies as there are varieties.
Whatever type of chilli you've got to hand - be it hot sauce, dried and ground, flakes, paste or fresh - we've got the spicy recipe you need to make the most of it, and if you fancy something fiery to drink with it, we've got you covered with 5 tips and tricks to spice up your drinks.
Chicken Chilli Masala
For when nothing but a properly hot chicken curry will do!
Recipe: Chicken Chilli Masala
Sichuan Aubergines
On Chinese menus this is often listed as ‘fish fragrant aubergines’, not because it tastes of fish, but rather because the combination of seasonings was traditionally used when cooking fish.
Recipe: Sichuan Aubergines
Chilli Pork Flatbreads
An easy homemade flatbread dough topped with spicy sausage and tenderstem broccoli.
Recipe: Chilli Pork Flatbreads
Spicy Chicken Peanut Noodles
Peanut butter and sriracha form a lip-smacking sauce in this easy stir-fry that only takes minutes to prepare.
Recipe: Spicy Chicken Peanut Noodles
Bacon-Wrapped Chilli Poppers
These chilli poppers would make for a delicious addition to any BBQ table.
Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chilli Poppers
Chilli and Ginger Salmon Kebabs
These lemongrass, chilli and ginger-infused easy salmon kebabs would make for the perfect addition to any BBQ.
Recipe: Chilli and Ginger Salmon Kebabs
Sweet and Spicy Miso-glazed Ribs
Sticky, finger-licking pork ribs may take a bit of time to cook, but they’re easy and a great crowd-pleaser, especially at barbecues.
Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Miso-glazed Ribs
Charred Chilli Feta Dip
This moreish dip is perfect for an informal dinner party starter. Just add crackers.
Recipe: Charred Chilli Feta Dip
Singapore Chilli Crab and Prawns
Traditionally, Singapore chilli crab is made with crabs still in their shells, but our cheat’s version uses crab meat, plus plump king prawns, in a rich tomato and chilli sauce that's more sweet than hot.
Recipe: Singapore Chilli Crab and Prawns
Spicy Pork Meatballs
Homemade meatballs are such a treat, serve them with spaghetti, mash or pile into a soft roll for a delicious meatball sub.
Recipe: Spicy Pork Meatballs
Fragrant Chilli Oil
This gloriously vibrant, Chinese-style chilli oil is perfect spooned over everything from noodles and rice dishes to grilled vegetables or roasted chicken.
Recipe: Fragrant Chilli Oil
Crispy-fried Sesame and Chilli Eggs
These speedy, spicy eggs would be equally delicious with beans on toast, or a suppertime dhal.
Sweet Chilli and Prawn Frittata
For those who like it sweet and spicy! A great storecupboard staple, sweet chilli sauce adds maximum flavour with minimum effort.
Recipe: Sweet Chilli and Prawn Frittata
Spicy Tuna Toasts
Inspired by the viral spicy tuna sandwich created by Joe & the Juice, we’ve made our own version, packed with pickled jalapeños, as a speedy supper.
Recipe: Spicy Tuna Toasts
Spicy Lamb and Pak Choi Noodles
Ready in just 30min, this Szechuan-inspired fiery stir-fry is fragrant with Szechuan peppercorns, cumin and crispy chilli oil.
Recipe: Spicy Lamb and Pak Choi Noodles
Spicy Shepherd's Pie
This classic shepherd's pie recipe has a spicy kick that will leave you coming back for more.
Recipe: Spicy Shepherd's Pie
Jerk Tofu Traybake
Mellow tofu is a blank canvas, ready to absorb this fiery jerk marinade made with scotch bonnet chillies. Paired with corn, sweet potato and spinach, it's easy to assemble, taking just 15min to throw together.
Recipe: Jerk Tofu Traybake
Chilli Peanut Beef
These noodles are ready in just 30min. Steak is cooked with veggies, chilli and ginger and topped with crispy chilli oil.
Recipe: Chilli Peanut Beef
Speedy Chilli Soup
A cross between chilli con carne and tomato soup - this easy midweek recipe uses store cupboard ingredients to deliver a mellow, comforting heat.
Recipe: Speedy Chilli Soup
Roast Tomato and Chilli Soup
A comforting midweek dinner, chilli adding a kick of warmth to the familiar soup. Homemade herby chickpea 'croutons' add crunch.
Recipe: Roast Tomato and Chilli Soup
Emma is Cookery Editor for Good Housekeeping and loves nothing more than sharing her bottomless enthusiasm for all things food and drink with anyone who wants to learn (and even those who don’t!). From super simple one pan suppers to showstopping wedding cakes and everything in between, there’s very little that doesn’t come out of her kitchen. When not developing recipes, writing features or styling food for photography she can be found hiding behind the mountain of cookery books that’s slowly overtaking her house, or exploring restaurants, food shops and festivals in search of the next big thing to share with readers. On the rare days when she’s not thinking about food, you’ll find her in a cosy pub at the end of a long walk with her dog and expert food taster, Angua.
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