This recipe will convince you that you can make a chicken dish that rivals your favourite Chinese takeout in just 30 minutes! Chilli Garlic Chicken is a delightful combination of marinated chicken, tossed in a tantalizing mix of aromatic spices, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and an array of mouthwatering sauces. It's a perfect fusion of Chinese and Indian flavours that creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
Pre time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes (excluding Marination time)
Serves: 4
Let's face it, there are some of us that no matter how healthy we eat all week, there is at least one day in the weekend when they treat themselves, as they should! Then there's another group of people who proudly eat all the food they love, all week long. Either way, once you try this dish, I promise you will want to add it to your repertoire.
While it tastes similar to something you've had before, this dish is unique in that it's a cross between chilli chicken and chicken Manchurian. Honestly, they both have qualities I love, so I tried to marry them and the creation was amazing! Of course I had to turn it into a blog post and share it with the world because I think everyone needs to know that they can make this! And it is so quick, so easy and beyond delicious!
I caught my husband eating it cold out of the fridge the next day with a fork, of course I grabbed and fork and joined him, and honestly, I could't tell you if it tastes better hot or cold, it's just an all round delicious dish! I love the different profiles of flavour, the peppers, onions, garlic, ginger, lemon, honey, soy sauce, dried chillies and green chillies, they all bring their flavour to the table. At some point in your experience of eating every bite, you will tastes all their flavours!
Believe me, folks, I contemplated simplifying the ingredient list, but let me tell you, every single ingredient in this recipe contributes to a flavor explosion in each and every bite! They all harmonize beautifully, creating that "I can't believe I made this at home" factor.
Now, here's the exciting part: I found a way to tweak the traditional method! Instead of deep frying the chicken, you can opt for shallow frying without drowning it in oil! This little hack was a game-changer because usually, this chicken dish calls for deep frying. Trust me, you won't miss out on any of the deliciousness by making these adjustments. In fact, you'll be amazed at how fantastic it tastes.
So, let's get cooking and savour the incredible flavours that come together effortlessly in this recipe. Your taste buds are in for a treat, and you'll be proudly exclaiming, "I made this at home!"
Chilli Chicken is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colours of the bell peppers and onions, coupled with the glossy sauce clinging to the succulent chicken, make it an Instagram-worthy dish that will have your followers drooling with envy.
Whether you decide to whip up Chilli Garlic Chicken for a cozy dinner at home, serve it as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at a party, or enjoy it as a comforting meal with some steamed rice, this dish is bound to impress. It's a true crowd-pleaser that brings people together over the love of good food.
So, grab your apron, crank up the music, and get ready to embark on a spicy culinary adventure with Chilli Garlic Chicken. Explore different variations, experiment with your favourite spices, and don't be afraid to put your own twist on it. Let your taste buds be your guide as you savour each mouthful of this deliciously addictive dish.
I hope this blog post has ignited your passion for Chilli Garlic Chicken and inspired you to try it out in your own kitchen. Remember, the best part about cooking is the joy of creating something delicious that brings happiness to yourself and others.
Tips and tricks for the perfect Chilli Garlic chicken
Marination. The key to achieving that authentic, restaurant-style flavour lies in the marination process. Allowing the chicken to soak up the flavours of the marinade for at little as 30 minutes ensures that each bite is infused with a mouthwatering blend of spices, soy sauce, and tangy goodness.
Frying. Frying until the chicken is a dark golden brown ensures that it holds a slight crunch once it's mixed in with the sauce. Your patience will be worthwhile!
Spice. There isn't a need to be afraid of piling on the spice, due to all the other ingredients going in they blend well, making the dish have less heat than you'd expect.
Serving suggestion. Toss some of the same vegetables you chopped for the chicken (including ginger and garlic) in some oil, then add in pre boiled noodles, some sesame oil, salt and soy sauce. Mix it a few times and you have yourself a full meal! You can also serve the chicken with rice or even just enjoy it with some salad!
Vegan option. Some boiled potatoes or cauliflour would make a delicious substitute for the chicken!
Chilli Garlic Chicken recipe
Prep time | 10 minutes |
Cook time | 20 minutes |
Total time | 30 minutes |
Serves | 4 |
Chicken marinade ingredients
5 boneless chicken thigh pieces (roughly 450 grams) cut into bitesized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon crushed pepper
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
1/2 Vinger
1 egg
1 teaspoon soy sauce
3 1/2 tablespoon plain flour
3 1/2 tablespoon corn starch
1/2 - 3/4 cups oil for frying.
Sauce ingredients
3 tablespoons of oil
2 dried red chillies
1 1/2 inch piece finely chopped ginger
4-5 cloves finely chopped garlic
2 green chillies sliced in half
1 jalapeño peno pepper sliced in half (optional)
1/2 cup chopped spring onions
4 tablespoons tomato ketchup
2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons sugar or honey
1 1/2 tablespoons corn starch
3/4 cup water
Method
1. Combine all the chicken marinade ingredients except for the corn starch and plain flour, thoroughly mix them. Next, incorporate the flours and mix ensuring even distribution. Allow the mixture to marinate for 30 minutes to an hour.
2. On medium heat, heat the frying oil in a wide, shallow frying pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully add one piece of chicken at a time and fry until it achieves a delightful dark golden colour (approximately 3-4 minutes). Flip the chicken using a fork or spoon to cook the other side. Once the other side turns a dark golden brown as well, transfer the chicken onto a plate.
3. On medium-high heat, warm 3 tablespoons of oil. Put the dried red chillies in the pan and let them sizzle for a minute. Then, add ginger, garlic, green chilli, and jalapeño chilli pepper. Continue to sizzle for an additional 2-3 minutes before incorporating 1/4 cup of spring onions, onions, and peppers. Sizzle for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Add salt, ketchup, hot sauce, soy sauce, lemon, and sugar, stir and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, create a slurry by mixing corn flour and water together. Add the slurry to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the fried chicken and the remaining spring onions, mix thoroughly, and remove from the heat right away.
7. Spoon the Chilli Garlic chicken onto a dish, garnish with green onions, and relish this mouth watering meal with rice, noodles or enjoy it on its own!
Comments