If you've ever found yourself craving that delightful Chilly Chicken from your favorite restaurant, now's your chance to recreate it right in your kitchen. Perfectly crispy and loaded with flavor, this dish isn't just easy to make, but it's also bound to impress your family and friends. Let's dive into the 5 easy steps to make Chilly Chicken that's just as good, if not better, than what you might order out.
1. Preparation of Ingredients
Start with gathering all the ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) of boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2-3 tablespoons of cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 egg
- Oil for frying
Marination: In a bowl, mix the chicken with soy sauce, vinegar, ginger-garlic paste, and salt. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes. This step ensures the chicken absorbs flavors, making it tastier when cooked.
2. Making the Batter
Combine the marinated chicken with:
- The all-purpose flour
- Cornflour
- Egg
Mix until the chicken is well coated. If the batter is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
3. Frying the Chicken
In a deep pan or fryer, heat oil to a medium-high temperature. Once hot:
- Drop in the chicken pieces one by one
- Fry until they are golden brown (4-5 minutes, depending on the size)
- Take care not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed
Caution: Hot oil can splatter, so ensure you have proper ventilation or a splatter guard.
4. Preparing the Sauce
While the chicken is frying, let’s whip up the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
- 1-2 sliced green chilies
- 1 medium diced onion
- 1 diced bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- A pinch of sugar
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup water mixed with 1 tablespoon cornflour
In a pan, heat the oil. Sauté garlic, ginger, and chilies until aromatic, add onions and bell pepper, then cook for a couple of minutes. Stir in the sauces, vinegar, sugar, and salt, then add the cornflour mixture to thicken the sauce.
5. Combining and Serving
Now that your chicken and sauce are ready:
- Drop the fried chicken into the sauce
- Stir well to coat every piece
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld
Serve hot, garnished with some spring onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
🔥 Note: For an added crunch, you can double-fry the chicken. This involves frying it once, letting it cool, and frying it again right before serving.
Now that you've completed these steps, you have in front of you a plate of homemade Chilly Chicken that's bound to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy it with fried rice, noodles, or just as it is for an unforgettable meal. With a bit of practice, your Chilly Chicken will become the star of your home cooking.
Can I use chicken with bones?
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Yes, you can use chicken with bones if you prefer. Just ensure the pieces are cut into appropriate sizes for even cooking.
How do I make it spicier?
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Increase the amount of chili sauce or add more sliced green chilies in the sauce. You can also incorporate finely chopped red chilies for extra heat.
What can I use instead of bell peppers?
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You can replace bell peppers with carrots, celery, or zucchini. Just cut them into similar size pieces for consistency in cooking time.
Can I make this dish in advance?
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You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but for the best texture, it’s recommended to fry the chicken and make the sauce just before serving.
