What Is Chicken Chili 65?
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s quickly touch upon what makes Chicken Chili 65 stand out. As a fusion dish that combines elements of Indian and Chinese cooking, Chicken Chili 65 is packed with a wide range of flavors — from spicy to tangy. The dish gets its fiery flavor from red chilies, the umami richness from soy sauce, and the depth of spices from a classic Indian marinade.
Traditionally served as an appetizer or side dish, Chicken Chili 65 can also be a great standalone snack. The crispy fried chicken pieces are tossed in a hot and flavorful sauce, making each bite burst with heat and a hint of sweetness. It’s perfect for a weekend treat or a party favorite, but can easily be made at home with some basic ingredients.
Ingredients Required
To prepare Chicken Chili 65, you'll need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients. Here's a breakdown:
For Marination:
Boneless Chicken (500 grams): Cut into bite-sized pieces.
Ginger-Garlic Paste (1 tbsp): For deep flavor.
Red Chili Powder (1 tsp): To add heat.
Turmeric Powder (¼ tsp): For color and earthy flavor.
Cornflour (2 tbsp): To give the chicken a crispy texture.
All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): Helps bind the coating.
Egg (1, beaten): To make the batter stick and for crispiness.
Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): For tang and tenderizing the chicken.
Salt (to taste): Balances the flavors.
For Frying:
Oil (for deep frying): Vegetable or canola oil works best.
For the Sauce:
Green Chilies (3-4, slit): Adds heat.
Garlic (1 tbsp, finely chopped): For that sharp, fragrant base.
Onions (1 large, diced): Adds sweetness and crunch.
Capsicum/Bell Peppers (1, diced): For color and additional texture.
Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): For the umami richness.
Red Chili Sauce (2 tbsp): Adds more spice.
Tomato Ketchup (1 tbsp): Balances the heat with sweetness.
Vinegar (1 tbsp): To add a sharp tang.
Black Pepper Powder (1 tsp): For a final touch of heat.
Spring Onions (for garnish): Chopped, for freshness and a pop of color.
Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Chicken Chili 65
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The first step is to marinate the chicken. This not only infuses flavor but also ensures the chicken stays moist and tender while frying.
Prepare the chicken pieces: Start by cleaning and cutting the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces. It’s important to ensure the pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
Mix the marinade: In a bowl, combine ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cornflour, all-purpose flour, beaten egg, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well to make a smooth mixture.
Coat the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to this marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to seep into the chicken and also helps the coating stick better.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Now, it’s time to give the marinated chicken that crispy, golden exterior.
Heat oil: In a deep pan or wok, heat enough oil for deep frying. Make sure the oil is hot enough but not smoking. You can test by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil – it should sizzle and rise to the top immediately.
Fry the chicken: Gently drop the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Fry until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
Drain excess oil: Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken pieces and drain them on paper towels. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
This is where the magic happens — the crispy chicken is tossed in a flavorful sauce that makes Chicken Chili 65 irresistible.
Heat oil: In another pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Since the chicken is already fried, you don’t need a lot of oil at this stage.
Sauté the aromatics: Add finely chopped garlic and slit green chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then toss in the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook on high heat until the onions soften slightly but still retain a bit of crunch.
Add the sauces: Pour in soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar. Stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can adjust the amount of chili sauce based on your heat tolerance.
Season the sauce: Sprinkle in the black pepper powder, and stir again. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out slightly.
Step 4: Toss the Chicken
With the sauce ready, it’s time to bring everything together.
Add the fried chicken: Toss the crispy chicken pieces into the wok with the sauce. Stir well, ensuring each piece is coated evenly with the spicy, tangy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
Garnish: Turn off the heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped spring onions. The spring onions add a fresh bite and a vibrant color to the dish.
Step 5: Serve
Your Chicken Chili 65 is ready! Serve it hot as an appetizer or pair it with fried rice or noodles for a more substantial meal. The crispy chicken coated in a spicy, tangy sauce will make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Chili 65
Adjust spice levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the number of green chilies or the amount of red chili sauce used. You can also deseed the green chilies for a milder version.
Make it healthier: For a healthier version, you can opt to bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying it. The result won’t be as crispy, but it’ll still be delicious.
Serve with sides: Chicken Chili 65 pairs wonderfully with fried rice, Hakka noodles, or even a simple vegetable stir-fry. You can also serve it alongside naan or parathas for a fusion Indian meal.
Conclusion
Chicken Chili 65 is the perfect dish to spice up your next meal. With its crispy texture, bold flavors, and just the right amount of heat, it’s a dish that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just a casual weekend dinner, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll discover that making Chicken Chili 65 at home is easier and more rewarding than you ever imagined!
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