Dry Garlic Chicken
Crispy fried chicken bites tossed in a fiery, garlicky sauce with onions and bell peppers. This Indo-Chinese classic is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's savory, spicy, and utterly addictive. Perfect for parties or a weeknight treat.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes, ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbsp of the soy sauce, black pepper powder, and salt. Mix well.
- c.Add the lightly beaten egg and mix until the chicken is fully coated.
- d.Set aside to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Coat the Chicken
- b.To the marinated chicken, add the cornflour and all-purpose flour.
- c.Toss everything together thoroughly until each piece of chicken is evenly coated with a thick, dry batter. Ensure there are no wet spots.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Chicken
- b.Heat 2 cups of oil for deep frying in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F).
- c.Carefully add the coated chicken pieces one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in 2-3 batches.
- d.Fry each batch for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- e.Remove the fried chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Garlic Sauce
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a clean wok or large skillet over high heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped garlic and slit green chillies. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until fragrant, but do not let the garlic brown.
- d.Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still retain a crisp bite.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Toss and Serve
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tbsp soy sauce, rice vinegar, red chili sauce, sugar, and white pepper powder. Stir quickly to combine everything into a sauce.
- c.Immediately add the fried chicken to the wok.
- d.Increase the heat to high and toss everything quickly for 1-2 minutes, until the chicken is evenly coated with the glossy sauce.
- e.Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped spring onion greens, and serve immediately for the best texture.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy chicken, double-fry it. First, fry for 3-4 minutes until light golden. Remove and let it cool slightly, then fry again for 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown.
- 2Ensure your wok is very hot before stir-frying the vegetables to achieve the characteristic 'wok hei' or smoky flavor.
- 3Do not overcook the onions and bell peppers; they should remain crisp to provide a nice textural contrast to the chicken.
- 4Toss the fried chicken in the sauce just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- 5Adjust the number of green chillies and the amount of red chili sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- 6Using freshly chopped garlic provides a much more potent and authentic flavor than pre-made garlic paste for the sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 400g of paneer cubes, firm tofu, or large mushrooms. For paneer and tofu, skip the egg marinade and directly coat in the flour mixture before frying.
Healthier (Air Fryer)Healthier (Air Fryer)
After coating the chicken, spray it lightly with oil and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Then, toss in the prepared sauce.
With GravyWith Gravy
To make a gravy version, mix 1 tbsp of cornflour with 1/2 cup of water. After sautéing the vegetables and adding the sauces, pour in the cornflour slurry and cook for a minute until the sauce thickens, then add the fried chicken.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Immunity Support
Garlic contains compounds like allicin, which have potent medicinal properties and are known to boost the function of the immune system.
Metabolism Boost
The capsaicin in green chillies can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, which may aid in calorie burning.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Dry Garlic Chicken contains approximately 350-450 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific ingredients used.