The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word HEATING
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More clues leading to the result HEATING
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Like chillies" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case like chillies = heating.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HEATING mean?
HEATING verb- To cause an increase in temperature of (an object or space); to cause to become hot (often with "up").
- To become hotter.
- To excite or make hot by action or emotion; to make feverish.
- To excite ardour in; to rouse to action; to excite to excess; to inflame, as the passions.
- To arouse, to excite (sexually).
- A system that raises the temperature of a room or building. Compare heater.
- The act of making something hot.
- Causing heat.