Spicy Chilli Chicken Recipe: 5 Delicious Ways
Are you a spice enthusiast who loves to experiment with fiery flavors in your kitchen? If so, you're in for a treat because today we're diving deep into the world of Spicy Chilli Chicken. This versatile dish can be prepared in numerous ways, each providing a unique twist to the classic recipe. Whether you're looking for a straightforward recipe, an exotic fusion, or something with a bit of adventure, we've got you covered. Let's explore five delicious methods to cook Spicy Chilli Chicken that will tantalize your taste buds.
1. Classic Spicy Chilli Chicken
The first way is the classic approach, which involves simple ingredients but packs a punch in flavor.
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless chicken, cubed
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp chili sauce
- 1 tbsp red chili flakes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (green and red), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh green chilies for garnish
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, chili sauce, chili flakes, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes.
- In a pan, heat oil and fry the marinated chicken until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Using the same pan, sauté onions and bell peppers until slightly caramelized.
- Add the chicken back to the pan, mix well, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green chilies and serve hot.
🔔 Note: To adjust the spiciness, you can either increase the chili sauce or use more chili flakes.
2. Thai Basil Chilli Chicken
For those who appreciate the vibrant and fresh flavors of Thai cuisine, this variation with basil will surely please.
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken thigh, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp chili paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 2 Thai bird chilies, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- Vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix chicken with oyster sauce, fish sauce, chili paste, and sugar. Let it marinate for 20 minutes.
- Heat oil in a wok, fry garlic until golden, then add onions and chilies, stir-fry for a minute.
- Add the marinated chicken, cook until done.
- At the end, toss in the basil leaves, stir quickly, and remove from heat immediately.
🔔 Note: Use sweet basil if Thai basil is not available for a slightly different but still delicious taste.
3. Fusion Chilli Chicken Tacos
Fancy a fusion? This spicy chicken taco recipe combines flavors from Mexican and Indian cuisines.
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken breast, shredded
- Taco spices (cumin, paprika, garlic powder)
- 2 tbsp Indian chili powder
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings: shredded cheese, salsa, cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions:
- Season chicken with taco spices and Indian chili powder, marinate for 15 minutes.
- Cook the chicken until well done, then add tomato paste and cook further for flavor infusion.
- Warm tortillas, fill with the chicken mixture, and top with your favorite garnishes.
Ingredient | Alternative |
---|---|
Indian chili powder | Use regular chili powder and add cumin for an authentic Indian taste |
Taco spices | Store-bought taco seasoning mix |
4. Spicy Chilli Chicken Wings
This variant is for chicken wing lovers looking to spice up their game day or any day!
Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken wings
- 4 tbsp hot sauce
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Mix hot sauce, melted butter, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Coat the wings generously with the sauce.
- Bake wings for 35-40 minutes until crispy.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
🔔 Note: For extra crispy wings, pat them dry with paper towels before coating them with sauce.
5. Sichuan Chilli Chicken
Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold flavors. This recipe brings the heat and the umami of Sichuan peppercorns.
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken, diced
- 2 tbsp Sichuan peppercorn oil
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup chopped scallions
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken with soy sauces, let it rest for 15 minutes.
- In a wok, heat the Sichuan peppercorn oil, add the chili bean paste, and cook briefly until aromatic.
- Add the marinated chicken, stir-fry until almost cooked.
- Stir in the sugar and adjust taste, then add scallions and peanuts just before removing from heat.
To wrap up, the world of Spicy Chilli Chicken is vast and varied, offering something for everyone’s palate. Whether you’re a fan of straightforward classics, exotic fusion, or adventurous spiciness, these five methods provide an excellent array of choices. With these recipes, you can explore different culinary techniques, spice levels, and flavor profiles to find your perfect dish. Remember, experimenting with the amount of chili or adding your favorite additional ingredients can personalize these recipes even further. Cooking Spicy Chilli Chicken isn’t just about enjoying a meal; it’s about embracing the fire and heat, celebrating the complexity of flavors, and sharing the warmth of your kitchen with others.
Can I substitute the chicken in these recipes?
+Yes, you can use other proteins like tofu or vegetables to cater to different diets or preferences. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I control the heat level in these dishes?
+You can adjust the amount of chili sauce, chili flakes, or fresh chilies used in the recipes. Additionally, consider adding dairy products or sugars to temper the heat.
What are some good side dishes to pair with Spicy Chilli Chicken?
+Consider pairing with cooling sides like cucumber salad, rice, naan, or even coleslaw to balance the heat of the chicken.