Chilli Chicken
Crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce with crunchy onions and bell peppers. This Indo-Chinese favorite is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect with fried rice or noodles.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes, ginger garlic paste, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 0.5 tsp black pepper, 3 tbsp cornflour, all-purpose flour, beaten egg, and 0.5 tsp salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly until each piece of chicken is well-coated in the batter.
- d.Set aside to marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Deep-Fry the Chicken
- b.Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small drop of batter sizzles and floats to the top.
- c.Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in 2-3 batches.
- d.Fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- e.Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Stir-Fry Base
- b.Carefully discard the excess oil from the wok, leaving about 2 tbsp. Alternatively, use a fresh wok.
- c.Heat the 2 tbsp of sesame oil over high heat until it shimmers.
- d.Add the chopped ginger, garlic, and slit green chillies. Stir-fry for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- e.Add the cubed onion and bell pepper. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly charred at the edges but still crisp.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create the Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, red chilli sauce, green chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, and sugar to the wok. Stir well to combine.
- c.Pour in 0.5 cup of water and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- d.In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp of cornflour with 2 tbsp of water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Add the crispy fried chicken pieces back into the wok with the thickened sauce.
- c.Toss everything together quickly but gently for about 1 minute to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- d.Garnish with chopped spring onion greens.
- e.Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture of the chicken.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy chicken, double-fry it. Fry once until light golden, remove, and then fry again for 1-2 minutes in hotter oil until deep golden brown.
- 2Do not overcook the onions and bell peppers; they should remain crunchy to provide a textural contrast to the chicken.
- 3Prepare all your sauces and chopped vegetables before you start stir-frying, as the process is very quick.
- 4Using a carbon steel wok over high heat will give the dish a characteristic smoky flavor known as 'wok hei'.
- 5Adjust the amount of chilli sauces and green chillies to match your preferred level of spiciness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gravy Version
To make Chilli Chicken with gravy, increase the water in the sauce to 1.5 cups and the cornflour for the slurry to 2 tablespoons. This is perfect for serving with steamed rice.
VegetarianVegetarian
Replace the chicken with 400g of paneer cubes, firm tofu, or cauliflower florets (gobi). Coat and fry them in the same way.
Healthier OptionHealthier Option
Instead of deep-frying, pan-fry the coated chicken in a few tablespoons of oil until golden, or bake/air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Metabolism Booster
The capsaicin found in green chillies can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, which may help in burning calories more efficiently.
Rich in Vitamins
Bell peppers are packed with Vitamin C, an important antioxidant that supports the immune system, and Vitamin A, which is crucial for healthy vision and skin.
Frequently asked questions
Chilli Chicken is a restaurant-style dish that is typically high in sodium and fat due to the deep-frying process and sauces. While it's a delicious treat, it's best enjoyed in moderation. For a healthier version, you can bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying.