Are you craving something spicy, crispy, and utterly delicious? Look no further than this ultimate Chilli Chicken Recipe that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and bring a burst of flavors to your dining table. This dish, a popular Indo-Chinese cuisine favorite, combines the juicy tenderness of chicken with the fiery punch of chillies, all coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce that’s simply irresistible. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this culinary masterpiece at home and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Boneless Chicken: 1/2 kg, the star of the dish, providing a perfect canvas for the spicy and savory flavors.
For the Marinade:
- Corn Flour & All-Purpose Flour (Maida): 2 tbsp each, to give the chicken a crispy coating.
- Ginger Garlic Paste: 1 tbsp, for that aromatic base flavor.
- Chilli Sauce: 1 tbsp, adding that essential spicy kick.
- Egg: 1, to bind the marinade and ensure the coating sticks to the chicken.
- Pepper Powder: 1 tsp, for a hint of spice.
- Salt: 1 tbsp, to taste, balancing the flavors.
For the Chilli Chicken:
- Oil: 2 tbsp, for frying and sautéing.
- Garlic: 6 cloves, finely chopped, offering a pungent depth.
- Dry Red Chilies & Green Chilies: 4 and 6 respectively, the heart of the dish, providing a fiery heat.
- Onion & Bell Pepper: 1 each, cubed, adding sweetness and crunch.
- Chilli Sauce, Soy Sauce, & Vinegar: 1 tbsp each, creating a complex, tangy, and spicy sauce.
- Spring Onions: A few, for a fresh garnish.
Cooking Method:
- Prepare the Chicken: Cube the chicken and marinate it with corn flour, all-purpose flour, chilli sauce, ginger garlic paste, egg, pepper, and salt. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes, or ideally, marinate overnight in the fridge for the best flavor infusion.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan and fry the marinated chicken pieces until golden and crispy. Doing this in small batches ensures even cooking and perfect crispiness.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a wok or pan, heat some oil and sauté the garlic, dry red chilies, green chilies, onion, and bell pepper until the onions are translucent. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Add the Sauces: Stir in the chilli sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the wok, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce. For a final touch, add chopped spring onions as a garnish and turn off the heat.
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Chef’s Notes:
- Marinating Overnight: This is highly recommended as it helps to tenderize the chicken, making it even more succulent.
- Adjusting for Gravy: If you prefer a semi-gravy version, simply dissolve some corn starch in water and add it to the pan before introducing the chicken. This will thicken the gravy, creating a luscious sauce for your chilli chicken.
- Salt Caution: Given the salt content in the sauces, adjust the additional salt amount carefully to avoid oversalting the dish.
There you have it, an ultimate Chilli Chicken Recipe that’s not just a treat for the taste buds but also a joy to prepare. Whether you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine or impress guests at your next gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors with every bite of this delightful dish. Happy cooking!
Serving and Storage Tips for Chilli Chicken
Once you’ve mastered the art of making this delectable Chilli Chicken, the next steps are to serve it in the best possible way and ensure any leftovers are stored properly to maintain their flavors. Here are some expert tips to help you make the most of your culinary creation.
Serving Tips:
- Serve Hot: Chilli Chicken tastes best when served hot, as it ensures the chicken remains crispy and the sauce flavorful.
- Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of finely chopped spring onions or a few coriander leaves can add a fresh burst of color and flavor to the dish.
- Accompaniments: Pair it with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles to make a complete meal. The neutral taste of these sides complements the spicy flavor of the Chilli Chicken perfectly.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If serving to guests with varying spice tolerances, consider serving some of the sauce on the side so everyone can adjust the heat to their preference.
Storage Tips:
- Cool Before Storing: Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing them to prevent bacterial growth.
- Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to store the Chilli Chicken in the refrigerator. This helps to keep the dish fresh and prevents it from absorbing odors from other foods.
- Refrigeration Duration: Properly stored, Chilli Chicken can last in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Reheating: When reheating, ensure the chicken is heated thoroughly until piping hot. Reheating in a pan over medium heat can help retain some of the crispiness, but a microwave can be used for convenience. If the dish has become a bit dry, a splash of water or a little extra soy sauce can help restore some of the moisture.
Freezing Tips:
- Freeze Separately: If you plan to freeze the dish, consider storing the sauce and fried chicken separately. This will help maintain the texture of the chicken when you reheat it.
- Freezing Duration: Chilli Chicken can be frozen for up to a month. Beyond that, there might be a noticeable decline in texture and flavor.
- Thawing: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid thawing at room temperature as it can lead to bacterial growth.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Chilli Chicken remains as delightful as when it was first made. Whether enjoying it fresh or as a delicious leftover, these tips will help you keep the dish tasting great.
FAQs
1. Can I make Chilli Chicken with bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless?
Yes, you can make Chilli Chicken with bone-in chicken pieces, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer compared to boneless chicken. Bone-in chicken can add more flavor to the dish, but it’s essential to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly. The marination process remains the same, but you may need to fry the chicken at a slightly lower temperature for a longer period to ensure it’s fully cooked without burning the exterior.
2. How can I make my Chilli Chicken less spicy without compromising on flavor?
To make Chilli Chicken less spicy without losing its rich flavor profile, you can adjust the amount of green and dry red chilies according to your spice tolerance. Consider using milder chilli sauce or reducing its quantity. Additionally, increasing the amount of bell pepper and onion can help balance the heat while adding soy sauce and vinegar in the same proportions to retain the savory and tangy elements of the dish.
3. Is it possible to prepare Chilli Chicken in advance for a party? How should I reheat it?
Preparing Chilli Chicken in advance can be a great time-saver for parties. You can marinate and fry the chicken pieces ahead of time, and just before serving, quickly sauté the vegetables and mix in the sauces along with the pre-cooked chicken. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a pan over medium heat to help retain its crispiness. If the sauce has thickened too much in the refrigerator, add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out during reheating. This method ensures the Chilli Chicken is almost as good as freshly made.
📖 Recipe
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Chilli Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Dive into the spicy and tantalizing world of Indo-Chinese cuisine with our Chilli Chicken recipe. Perfectly balanced with fiery chilies, tender chicken, and a savory sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Ideal for dinners, parties, or any occasion where you want to impress. Follow our simple instructions for a dish that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
1/2 kg Boneless Chicken
2 tbsp Corn Flour
2 tbsp All-purpose Flour (Maida)
1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
1 tbsp Chilli Sauce
1 Egg
1 tsp Pepper Powder
1 tbsp Salt (to taste)
2 tbsp Oil
6 cloves Garlic
4 Dry Red Chilies
6 Green Chilies
1 Onion (cubed)
1/2 Bell Pepper (cubed)
1 tbsp Chilli Sauce
1 tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tbsp Vinegar
Few Spring Onions
Instructions
- Cut chicken into cubes and marinate with corn flour, all-purpose flour, chilli sauce, ginger garlic paste, egg, pepper, and salt. Allow marinating for 20-30 minutes or overnight.
- Fry marinated chicken in hot oil until golden and crispy. Do this in batches for even cooking.
- Heat oil in a wok, sauté garlic, dry red chilies, green chilies, onion, and bell pepper until onions are translucent.
- Add chilli sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar. Mix well.
- Combine fried chicken with the sauce, garnish with spring onions, and serve.
Notes
Marinating overnight enhances flavors.
Adjust salt carefully due to the sauces’ salt content.
For a semi-gravy version, add dissolved corn starch in water before the chicken.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes marination time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indo-Chinese
Keywords: Chilli Chicken, Spicy Chicken Recipe, Indo-Chinese Cuisine, Chicken Dinner, Easy Chilli Chicken, Crispy Chicken Recipe, Spicy Chicken, Homemade Chilli Chicken
