In this blog, we will break down a step-by-step guide to preparing chili chicken with a spicy twist, providing helpful tips along the way. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will help you achieve mouthwatering results.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients. For the best results, opt for fresh and high-quality items.
For the Marinade:
500 grams boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized cubes)
2 tablespoons Cornflour
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (maida)
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon black pepper powder
Salt to taste
1 egg (optional, for a crispy coating)
For the Sauce:
1 tablespoon oil (preferably sesame oil for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
2 green chilies, slit
1 medium onion, sliced
1 medium green bell pepper (capsicum), sliced
2-3 dry red chilies
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon red chili sauce (adjust to your spice tolerance)
1 tablespoon green chili sauce
1 tablespoon tomato ketchup (optional, for sweetness)
1 teaspoon vinegar (to balance the heat)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Salt to taste
Spring onions (for garnish)
Fresh coriander leaves (optional, for garnish)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The first step to getting perfectly tender and flavorful chili chicken is marinating it well. The marinade is key in adding both flavor and tenderness to the chicken pieces.
In a large bowl, add the chicken cubes, Cornflour, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, red chili powder, black pepper powder, salt, and egg (if using). Mix everything well until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can also let it sit for a couple of hours in the refrigerator if you have more time. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
The egg in the marinade creates a light and crispy outer coating when fried, while the Cornflour helps in achieving that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Once the chicken is well-marinated, it’s time to fry it. This step ensures that the chicken pieces are crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy on the inside.
Heat oil in a deep pan or wok. The oil should be hot enough for frying but not smoking.
Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them on medium-high heat until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Remove the fried chicken pieces using a slotted spoon and drain the excess oil on paper towels. Set aside.
Frying in batches ensures that the chicken pieces are evenly cooked, crispy, and not soggy. If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can also air-fry the chicken or bake it in the oven, but the traditional frying method offers the best crunch.
Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Chili Sauce
The sauce is the heart of chili chicken, where all the magic happens. It’s a spicy, tangy, and flavorful concoction that complements the fried chicken beautifully.
In a wok or deep pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Stir-fry them for a minute until the garlic and ginger become fragrant.
Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, and continue stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly but still retain their crunch.
Toss in the dry red chilies for an extra layer of heat. If you love spiciness, you can add extra red chilies or even sprinkle some chili flakes at this stage.
Now it’s time to add the sauces. Add soy sauce, red chili sauce, green chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust the seasoning by adding sugar for a touch of sweetness and salt to taste.
The combination of these sauces creates a perfect balance of heat, tang, and umami. The tomato ketchup provides a subtle sweetness, while the vinegar adds an essential sour note that cuts through the spice. If you’re a fan of extremely spicy food, feel free to add more chili sauce or even a few dashes of hot sauce.
Step 4: Combine the Fried Chicken and Sauce
Now that both the chicken and sauce are ready, it’s time to bring them together for the final dish.
Add the fried chicken pieces into the sauce and toss everything together. Make sure the chicken is well coated with the spicy sauce. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes on medium heat.
If you prefer a saucier version, you can add a bit of water or chicken stock to the pan at this stage. For a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 teaspoon of Cornflour in 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the pan. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
The key here is to make sure that the chicken absorbs the sauce’s flavors while still retaining its crispy texture.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Chili chicken is best served hot and fresh, garnished with fresh spring onions and coriander leaves for an added burst of freshness.
Transfer the chili chicken to a serving dish and sprinkle chopped spring onions and coriander leaves on top. You can also add sesame seeds for a crunchy texture.
Serve the chili chicken with steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles, depending on your preference. It can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack on its own.
Tips for the Perfect Chili Chicken
Adjust the spice level: If you’re not a fan of extreme heat, reduce the number of green and red chilies or choose a milder chili sauce. For spice lovers, increase the chili powder and sauce or add crushed red pepper.
Experiment with vegetables: You can add more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the dish’s nutritional value and texture.
Marinate well: The longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavors will be absorbed. If possible, marinate overnight for the best results.
Don’t overcook the chicken: Fry the chicken just until it’s golden brown and crispy. Overcooking will make it dry and tough.
Conclusion
Special chili chicken with a spicy kick is a perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for bold, intense flavors. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a party with friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. The crispy chicken, combined with the spicy, tangy sauce, creates an explosion of flavors in every bite.
So next time you’re in the mood for something spicy and delicious, give this chili chicken recipe a try. Customize the heat level to suit your taste, and don’t forget to garnish it with fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy your special chili chicken with a side of rice or noodles, and savor the fiery goodness!
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