This Indian Chilli Chicken recipe is a beloved fusion dish that perfectly marries the bold flavors of Indian spices with the tangy and fiery elements of Chinese cuisine. Born out of the rich culinary traditions of Indo-Chinese cooking, Chilli Chicken has become a staple in Indian households and restaurants alike.
The dish is known for its crispy chicken bites, which are first marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and then deep-fried to perfection. These golden pieces are then tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce that includes soy sauce, red chili sauce, and a medley of aromatic ingredients like ginger, garlic, and green chilies. The result is a dish that is bursting with flavor and offers a satisfying contrast of textures.
The appeal of Chicken Chili lies in its versatility and the way it can be tailored to suit various palates. Whether served as a tantalizing appetizer or as a hearty main course paired with fried rice or noodles, this dish always delivers a punch of flavor. Its ability to balance the heat of chilies with the umami notes from soy sauce and the slight sweetness of ketchup makes it a favorite among those who enjoy bold and vibrant dishes.
This Chicken Chili recipe not only highlights the ingenuity of Indo-Chinese cuisine but also showcases the endless possibilities that arise when culinary traditions are blended, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients- Chilli Chicken Recipe
For Marinating the Chicken:
- 500 grams boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 egg (optional for extra crispiness)
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (finely chopped)
- 2-3 green chilies (sliced or slit)
- 1 medium onion (cut into cubes)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (capsicum) (cut into cubes)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon red chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Spring onions (chopped, for garnish)
- Salt to taste
Chilli Chicken Recipe – Cooking Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornflour, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, red chili powder, and salt.
Optionally, add an egg to the marinade for extra crispiness.
Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a deep frying pan.
Once hot, fry the marinated chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy.
Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a wok or large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil.
Add the chopped ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Add the cubed onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crunchy.
Add soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan and toss to coat them with the sauce.
Thicken the Sauce:
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornflour slurry (cornflour mixed with water) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Chilli Chicken as an appetizer or as a main dish with fried rice, noodles, or steamed rice.
Enjoy your homemade Chilli Chicken!
Some More Interesting Recipes –
- Chicken Vindaloo Recipe
- Garlic Chicken Masala Recipe
- Palak Chicken (Spinach Chicken) Recipe
- Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Hariyali Chicken Masala Recipe
- Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Pudina chicken masala recipe
- Andhra Chicken Biryani Cooking Recipe
- Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani Recipe
- Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
- Butter Chicken Recipe
- Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Vegetable fried rice Recipe
- Andhra Chicken Biryani Cooking Recipe
- Vegetable fried rice Recipe
FAQs: Chilli Chicken Recipe
1. What is Chilli Chicken?
Chicken chili is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that features crispy, marinated chicken pieces tossed in a spicy and tangy sauce made from soy sauce, chili sauce, and other aromatic ingredients. It’s known for its bold flavors and is often served as an appetizer or a main course.
2. What ingredients do I need for this Chilli Chicken recipe ?
The main ingredients include boneless chicken, cornflour, all-purpose flour, soy sauce, red chili sauce, ginger, garlic, green chilies, onions, and bell peppers. Optional ingredients like eggs and vinegar are also used in some variations.
3. How do I make Chilli Chicken crispy?
To make Chicken Chili crispy, marinate the chicken pieces with a mixture of cornflour, all-purpose flour, and spices. Fry the marinated chicken in hot oil until golden and crispy. You can also add an egg to the marinade for extra crispiness.
4. Can I make Chilli Chicken without frying?
Yes, for a healthier version, you can bake or air-fry the marinated chicken pieces. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until crispy. Then, toss the baked chicken in the prepared sauce.
5. Is Chilli Chicken very spicy?
Chilli Chicken recipe can be adjusted to your spice preference. The heat primarily comes from green chilies and red chili sauce. You can reduce the number of chilies or use milder sauces to make it less spicy.
6. Can I make Chilli Chicken vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), tofu, or even cauliflower florets to make a vegetarian version of this Chilli Chicken recipe. The preparation and sauce remain the same.
7. What can I serve with Chilli Chicken?
Chicken Chili pairs well with fried rice, noodles, or steamed rice. It can also be enjoyed as a standalone appetizer.
8. How do I store leftover Chilli Chicken?
Store any leftover Chilli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry in a pan until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to refresh the sauce.
9. Can I prepare Chilli Chicken in advance?
You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Fry the chicken and toss it in the sauce just before serving to ensure it stays crispy.
10. Is Chilli Chicken recipe gluten-free?
To make Chilli Chicken recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute cornflour for all-purpose flour in the marinade. Be sure to check the labels of sauces to ensure they are gluten-free.
Chilli Chicken Recipe
Ingredients- Chilli Chicken Recipe
For Marinating the Chicken:
For the Sauce:
Chilli Chicken Recipe - Cooking Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornflour, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, red chili powder, and salt.
- Optionally, add an egg to the marinade for extra crispiness.
- Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan.
- Once hot, fry the marinated chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a wok or large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil.
- Add the chopped ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the cubed onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crunchy.
- Add soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan and toss to coat them with the sauce.
Thicken the Sauce:
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornflour slurry (cornflour mixed with water) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot.
