Step 1

Mix together the 60g (1/2 cup) of cornflour, ¾ tbsp of the salt, 1 tbsp of the black pepper, and the 1 tbsp of Chinese five-spice.

Step 2

Sprinkle over the chicken thigh fillets and toss together to coat.

Step 3

Take the 240ml (1 cup) of oil, and put one tablespoon of it to one side. Add the rest of the oil to a large frying pan and heat over a high heat until hot (you can test by sticking the end of a wooden spoon or chopstick in the oil – if bubbles form around it, it’s hot enough).

Step 4

Add the chicken to the oil a piece at a time (to ensure the oil doesn’t boil over). You’ll probably have to work in two batches altogether.

Step 5

Fry for about 5-7 minutes, turning once until cooked through and golden brown all over.

Step 6

Using a set of tongs, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with kitchen paper.

Step 7

Repeat with the second batch of chicken, then turn off the heat when done.

Step 8

As soon as the second batch of chicken is cooking, heat the reserved 1 tablespoon of oil in a separate frying pan over a medium-high heat.

Step 9

Add the chopped onion, the chopped red and green chillies, the remaining ¼ tbsp of salt and the remaining ¼ tbsp of black pepper to the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion starts to soften slightly.

Step 10

Then turn down the heat to medium and add in the 2 cloves of minced garlic and 3 chopped spring onions.

Step 11

Fry for a further minute, stirring often.

Step 12

By now both batches of chicken should be cooked. Add the chicken to the frying pan with onion and chillies in and toss everything together for 1 minute.

Step 13

Turn off the heat and serve.