Crispy Chilli Chicken Recipe

Crispy Chilli Chicken is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that brings together the right balance of heat, sweetness, and crispiness, making it a crowd-pleaser at any table. With tender pieces of chicken coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a flavorful chili sauce, this dish is perfect as an appetizer or a main course. In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, preparation, and step-by-step instructions to help you recreate this delectable dish at home.

Ingredients for Crispy Chilli Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• 500g boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon rice flour (optional for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 egg (optional, for extra crunch)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the heat)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornflour (optional for thickening)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander or spring onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation of Crispy Chilli Chicken:

this recipe

1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken pieces. In a bowl, mix the chicken with cornflour, all-purpose flour, rice flour, ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper. You can add an egg for extra crunch if you like. Let the mixture sit for 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the marinated chicken pieces into the oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry in batches until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

3. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté them until they soften. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking for another minute. Now, add the soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, sugar, and vinegar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

4. Combine Chicken with Sauce: If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can mix the cornflour in a small amount of water and add it to the sauce, stirring continuously. Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken pieces to the pan and toss them in the sauce until the chicken is evenly coated.

5. Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish the crispy chili chicken with fresh coriander or chopped spring onions. Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or as a standalone appetizer.

Tips for the Best Crispy Chilli Chicken:

• Crispiness: The key to a crispy texture is the double coating of flour, cornflour, and rice flour. Rice flour adds a special crunch, so don’t skip it!
• Chili Sauce: You can adjust the amount of chili sauce to control the heat level. For a milder version, reduce the chili sauce and add a little more ketchup for sweetness.
• Frying: Ensure that the oil is at the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn; if it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become soggy.
• Vegetable Options: Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, baby corn, or peas to enhance the dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Crispy Chilli Chicken offers the perfect combination of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors with a crunchy texture. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this dish will surely impress your guests and family. It’s customizable, easy to prepare, and perfect for anyone who loves bold, vibrant flavors.

Serving Suggestions:

• As an appetizer: Serve it with a side of dipping sauces like soy sauce or chili garlic sauce.
• With noodles: Pair it with stir-fried noodles or fried rice for a complete meal.
• As a snack: Enjoy it on its own with a cold drink for a delicious snack.

Conclusion:

Crispy Chilli Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that combines bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. With its easy-to-follow recipe and simple ingredients, you can make this restaurant-style dish right at home. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just craving something crispy, this recipe is sure to be a hit! Try it today and elevate your culinary skills with this irresistible Indo-Chinese favorite.

Serving and Storage Tips for Crispy Chilli Chicken

Serving Tips:

1. Pairing with Sides: Crispy Chilli Chicken can be served in various ways. For a complete meal, pair it with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried noodles. It also goes well with a simple side salad to balance out the heat and richness of the dish.
2. Dipping Sauces: Serve with additional dipping sauces such as soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, or a tangy vinegar-based sauce. These will enhance the flavor and allow your guests to customize the spice level.
3. Garnishing: A fresh garnish can take this dish to the next level. Top it with chopped spring onions, fresh cilantro, or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
4. Appetizer or Main Course: Whether you’re serving this dish as an appetizer or as a main course, it’s a versatile dish that works well for any occasion. For appetizers, serve smaller portions alongside drinks at a party. For a main course, serve larger portions with rice or noodles.
5. Beverage Pairing: Serve crispy chilli chicken with a refreshing drink like lemonade, iced tea, or a cold beer. These drinks help balance the heat and refresh the palate between bites.

Storage Tips:

1. Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The crispy texture of the chicken will soften slightly after storage, but the flavor will still be delicious.
2. Reheating: To restore some of the crispiness when reheating, place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a frying pan with a little oil to crisp it up again. Avoid microwaving the chicken, as this will make it soggy.
3. Freezing: You can freeze the fried chicken pieces separately before tossing them in the sauce. To do so, lay the chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to an airtight container or zip-lock bag. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the oven and prepare the sauce fresh.
4. Storage Duration: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For frozen crispy chicken, the best quality is typically maintained for about 1-2 months.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Crispy Chilli Chicken at its best, whether fresh out of the kitchen or as a leftover treat!

1. Can I make Crispy Chilli Chicken without frying?

Yes, you can make a healthier version of Crispy Chilli Chicken by baking the chicken instead of frying it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. After baking, toss the chicken in the chili sauce as usual.

2. Can I adjust the spice level of Crispy Chilli Chicken?

Absolutely! You can easily control the spice level of Crispy Chilli Chicken by adjusting the amount of chili sauce and green chilies. For a milder version, use less chili sauce and omit the green chilies or replace them with bell peppers for a milder flavor. Conversely, if you prefer more heat, increase the chili sauce or add extra green chilies.

3. How can I make Crispy Chilli Chicken gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour. Additionally, ensure that the soy sauce used is gluten-free (tamari is a great option). Double-check all other ingredients for any hidden gluten content if needed.

4. Can I use chicken with bones for this recipe?

While boneless chicken is preferred for ease of eating and quick cooking, you can use bone-in chicken pieces. However, bone-in chicken will require a longer frying time to ensure it’s cooked through. Just be sure to cut the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier handling and to maintain a crispy exterior.

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