Chilli Chicken Recipe

This recipe is like a dance of flavors, where crispy fried chicken meets a vibrant jumble of bell peppers and onions, all swirled in a tangy and spicy sauce. The best part of making this dish is that delightful aroma that fills the kitchen, making it almost impossible to wait until it’s ready to be served.

Chili chicken captures a perfect balance of flavor and texture. I adore how soy sauce, ginger-garlic paste, and chili sauce come together to make a rich, tangy marinade for the tender boneless chicken.

With sliced green chilies and cubed bell peppers added to the party, you have an exquisite balance of heat, flavor, and crunch.

Chilli Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• Boneless Chicken: High in protein, promotes muscle growth and repair.
• Cornflour: Adds crispiness, thickens sauces, gluten-free option.
• Soy Sauce: Enhances umami flavor, contains sodium.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: Adds aromatic depth, aids digestion, anti-inflammatory.
• Egg: Binds and coats, adding texture and moisture.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying, high smoke point, neutral taste.
• Green Chilies: Adds heat, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Bell Peppers: Adds color and crunch, rich in vitamins A and C.
• Vinegar: Adds acidity, enhances flavor balance.
• Sugar: Balances spice and sourness, adds mild sweetness.

Chilli Chicken Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 egg
• Salt, to taste
• Oil, for deep frying
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
• 1-2 green chilies, sliced
• 1 onion, cut into cubes
• 1 small green bell pepper, cut into cubes
• 1 small red bell pepper, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 2-3 spring onions, chopped

How to Make this Chilli Chicken Recipe

1. In a bowl, mix chicken parts with cornflour, plain flour, soy sauce, ginger and garlic paste, beaten egg, and salt. Let it marinate for half an hour.

2. In a deep frying pan, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces. Fry for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.

3. In another wok or pan, over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add in the chopped garlic, ginger, and green chililies. Cook until everything has become very fragrant.

4. Place the cubed onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper in the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly softened.

5. Combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon chili sauce, 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a small bowl. Stir to mix well, then add the sauce to the stir-fried vegetables.

6. Include the pieces of fried chicken in the wok and mix everything together to make sure the chicken is thoroughly enveloped in the sauce and the vegetables.

7. Add black pepper powder to the mixture, stir, and combine.

8. Allow the flavors to blend by cooking for another 2 minutes.

9. Stir well, add chopped spring onions, and cook for one additional minute.

10. Serve hot as an appetizer, or with steamed rice.

Chilli Chicken Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Deep frying pan or pot
3. Wok or frying pan
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk or fork (for beating egg)
6. Slotted spoon (for removing chicken from oil)
7. Paper towels
8. Cutting board
9. Knife
10. Measuring spoons
11. Tongs or spatula (for stirring and mixing)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken with bones for this recipe?Use of boneless chicken best ensures an evenly cooked dish that is easy to eat. Nonetheless, it is possible to adapt this recipe for chicken with bones.
• Q: What is the purpose of using cornflour and all-purpose flour in the recipe?A: When combined with all-purpose flour, cornflour serves as a vehicle to deliver a crisp, fried texture to the chicken.
• Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of deep frying?A: Yes, the chicken parts can be baked in an oven that has been preheated to 200 degrees Celsius 392 degrees Fahrenheit until they are golden, although they may not be as crispy as fried.
• Q: Is it necessary to use both green and red bell peppers?A: No; it is not necessary to use both. Using both adds color and a variety of flavors, but you can use just one type if you wish.
• Q: How spicy is this dish?A: You can adjust the spice level to your taste by varying the amounts of green chilies and chili sauce.
• Q: Can I make this dish without a wok?A: Yes, a big frying pan or large skillet can be used instead of a wok.
• Q: How should I store leftovers?A: Store crumbs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and reheat them on the stovetop for best results.

Chilli Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Potato starch or arrowroot powder can be used in place of cornflour.
You can replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Coconut aminos can substitute soy sauce for a non-soy alternative, while tamari makes a great gluten-free option.
If vinegar is not available, use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
You can use sriracha or a homemade hot sauce for chili sauce.

Pro Tips

1. Marination Time For more flavorful chicken, try marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.

2. Crispier Chicken To ensure the chicken stays crispy, fry it twice. First, fry until light golden brown and remove. Then, increase the oil temperature and fry again until golden and crisp just before adding to the sauce.

3. Oil Temperature When frying, maintain a consistent oil temperature of about 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature to avoid soggy or unevenly cooked chicken.

4. Sauce Consistency If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a teaspoon of cornflour with a tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce while cooking. This will also help the sauce coat the chicken better.

5. Freshness Boost Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice over the finished dish before serving to enhance the flavors and add a refreshing zest.