Chilli Chicken Recipe – Delicious Indian-Style Chinese Chicken
Chilli Chicken is a perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and crunchy, making it a popular appetizer in Indian-Chinese cuisine. With its crispy chicken pieces coated in a bold sauce, this dish is beloved by chicken lovers worldwide. Whether served at a party, with fried rice, or as a savory snack, Chilli Chicken will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings for something spicy and mouthwatering. It’s the ideal combination of succulent chicken and fiery flavors—perfect for any occasion!
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Chinese
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts, boneless, cut into pieces | 1 cup (approximately 200-250g) |
| Egg white | 1 |
| Red Chilli sauce | 5 teaspoons |
| Corn flour | 3 teaspoons |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Tomato ketchup | 1 tablespoon |
| White vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Oil | 3 tablespoons for frying + oil for cooking |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion | 1 medium, cubed |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/2 cup, cubed |
| Green chillies | 3, sliced |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves | For garnish |
| Spring onion (bulb & greens) | For garnish |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 2-3 people
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by thoroughly washing the chicken pieces. First, rinse with water, then with turmeric powder to clean the meat. Drain the water completely and set the chicken aside to dry. Once dried, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a small mixing bowl, combine the chicken with 2 teaspoons of red chili sauce, a pinch of salt, 3 teaspoons of corn flour, and the egg white. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes—this helps the flavors soak in and tenderizes the meat.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining red chili sauce, white vinegar, soy sauce, and tomato ketchup. This sauce will add that perfect tangy and spicy flavor. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat a non-stick tawa or frying pan over medium flame. Add enough oil to fry the chicken pieces. Once the oil is hot, fry the marinated chicken in small batches for about 3 minutes each, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Be careful not to over-fry the chicken, as it may become tough. Once done, drain the excess oil by placing the chicken on paper towels.
Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables
In a separate pan, heat 3 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ginger garlic paste and sauté for a minute or until the fragrance starts to release. Next, add the cubed onions and cook until they turn soft and slightly brown. This should take around 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Add the Capsicum and Chillies
Increase the heat to high, and add the cubed green bell pepper (capsicum) to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables quickly for 2-3 minutes to retain their crunchiness. Then, add the sliced green chilies and cook for another minute.
Step 7: Combine the Sauce and Chicken
Lower the flame and pour in the pre-prepared sauce mixture over the vegetables. Stir everything well to coat the veggies in the sauce. Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan and toss them in the sauce until well coated. Pour in 1/4 cup of water to help thicken the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and absorbed in the sauce.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the sauce reaches a semi-gravy consistency and the chicken is fully cooked, turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and spring onion greens for added color and flavor.
Serve your Chilli Chicken hot, with a side of fried rice, vegetable fried rice, or egg fried rice. Alternatively, enjoy it as a standalone snack with some hot tea. The perfect balance of spice, crunch, and flavor makes this dish a crowd favorite!
Tips for the Best Chilli Chicken:
- For extra crunch, double fry the chicken pieces. First, fry them until they are partially cooked, remove and drain, and then fry again until golden brown.
- Adjust the heat by adding or reducing the number of green chilies or red chili sauce, depending on your spice preference.
- For an even deeper flavor, add a splash of sesame oil to the sauce mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fats | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
Enjoy your Chilli Chicken, a mouthwatering fusion of crispy chicken and bold flavors that is sure to impress! Whether you are hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this dish never disappoints.
