Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe: A Fiery Delight You Can’t Resist!

Crispy Chilli Chicken is an irresistible dish that brings together the best of both worlds—crispy fried chicken and a tangy, spicy chili sauce. This popular Indo-Chinese recipe is loved for its balance of flavors and textures. Whether served as a starter or main course, it’s perfect for anyone who loves a kick of heat in their meals. The crispy exterior of the chicken combined with the bold flavors of soy, garlic, and chilies makes it a favorite for spice lovers everywhere.

Ingredients

• 500g boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2-3 green chilies (sliced)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tbsp chili sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (extra for the sauce)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• ½ cup spring onions (chopped)
• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Steps

1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and pepper. Allow it to marinate for 20-30 minutes. This will infuse the chicken with flavor and tenderize it.

2. Coat and Fry the Chicken:
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Crack an egg into the marinated chicken and mix well. This will help the flour mixture stick to the chicken, creating a crisp outer layer. Heat vegetable oil in a pan for deep frying. Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture and fry until golden brown and crispy. Set the fried chicken aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

3. Prepare the Chili Sauce:
In another pan, heat sesame oil and sauté the sliced green chilies, chopped onions, and bell peppers until they are slightly softened but still crisp. Add the ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir the mixture until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the spice levels as needed.

4. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:
Once the sauce is ready, toss the crispy fried chicken into the pan with the sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Add chopped spring onions for a fresh, vibrant garnish.

5. Serve Hot:
Serve the Crispy Chilli Chicken immediately, either as a side dish or with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy the balance of crispy chicken and spicy sauce with every bite!

Tips for Variations

1. Make it Sweet and Sour: Add pineapple chunks and a tablespoon of sweet chili sauce for a sweet and sour twist on the traditional recipe.
2. Go Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch or rice flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well.
3. Amp Up the Veggies: Include a wider range of vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or baby corn to make the dish more filling and nutritious.
4. Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the amount of green chilies and chili sauce. You can even substitute chili sauce with hoisin sauce for a milder flavor.
5. Air Fry for Less Oil: Skip the deep frying and use an air fryer to make the chicken crispy with less oil. It’s a healthier option that retains the crunch.
6. Add a Garlic Kick: Add extra minced garlic to the sauce for an additional layer of flavor. Garlic lovers will appreciate the pungent punch it adds.
7. Spice It Up with Schezwan Sauce: For a bolder, spicier dish, replace regular chili sauce with Schezwan sauce. It gives the chicken a more intense flavor.
8. Turn It into a Wrap: Use the crispy chilli chicken as a filling for wraps or tacos, adding some fresh lettuce and a drizzle of yogurt or mayonnaise for extra creaminess.

Macros

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can, but boneless chicken is preferred for ease of eating and quicker cooking. If you use bone-in pieces, adjust the frying time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store any leftover Crispy Chilli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or oven to retain the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
3. What can I serve with Crispy Chilli Chicken?
   • This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple salad to balance the heat.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   • Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu or paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Fry the tofu or paneer in the same way as the chicken for a crispy texture.
5. Is there a way to reduce the spice level?
   • To reduce the spice, use fewer green chilies and a milder chili sauce. You can also increase the amount of ketchup or add honey to balance out the heat with sweetness.

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