Pan Fried Chinese Chilli Chicken
An irresistibly flavorful and healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried Chinese Chilli Chicken, this pan-fried version uses just a minimal amount of oil, making it a light yet appetizing dish perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant mix of vegetables, crispy chicken, and a tangy sauce, this dish will become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Whether served as an appetizer or paired with rice or fried rice, Pan Fried Chinese Chilli Chicken is sure to delight your taste buds!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breasts | 500 grams |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Red, yellow, and green bell peppers (capsicum), cut into 1-inch squares | 1 each (red, yellow, and green) |
| Onion | 1, cut in half and layers separated |
| Garlic | 6-8 cloves, minced |
| Green chillies | 6, slit vertically |
| Spring onion (bulb and greens), finely chopped | 2 stalks |
For Coating
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Whole black peppercorns, coarsely pounded | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole egg | 1 |
| Rice flour | 1 tablespoon |
For Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Red chili sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Tomato ketchup | 2 teaspoons |
| Whole black peppercorns, coarsely pounded | 1 teaspoon |
| Honey | 3 tablespoons |
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Servings
Serves 3-4
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by washing the boneless chicken breasts thoroughly under cold water. Cut the chicken into small strips or bite-sized cubes for easy coating and frying.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together the egg, soy sauce, coarsely pounded black pepper, red chili powder, and rice flour. Add the chicken strips into this mixture and toss until well-coated. Set the marinated chicken aside to absorb the flavors while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 3: Pan Fry the Chicken
Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and drizzle the extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring they are spaced apart. Let the chicken fry for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp. Use a toothpick to check that the chicken is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, crushed black pepper, and honey. Stir well to create the sauce mixture.
Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, toss in the slit green chillies, onions, and bell peppers. Stir and cover the pan, allowing the vegetables to cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they soften slightly but remain crisp.
Step 6: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Once the vegetables are ready, pour in the prepared sauce and stir to combine everything. Add the pan-fried chicken pieces and toss them gently in the sauce, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
Step 7: Simmer and Garnish
Sprinkle chopped spring onions over the chicken and stir everything together. Lower the heat and let the dish simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 8: Serve
Once the sauce has thickened slightly and everything is well mixed, remove from heat. Serve this delightful Pan Fried Chinese Chilli Chicken hot as an appetizer or pair it with plain rice, Chinese vegetable fried rice, or even Black Sesame Nai Huang Bao for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
- Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute boneless chicken with boneless thighs or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Spicier Version: Add extra red chili sauce or fresh chopped green chillies for an additional spicy kick.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add more vegetables such as baby corn, mushrooms, or carrots to increase the nutritional value and flavor of the dish.
Enjoy this quick, easy, and healthier alternative to the deep-fried version, and treat yourself to a plate of crispy, flavorful Pan Fried Chinese Chilli Chicken tonight!
