Recipe for Chicken Chilly: A Flavorful Indo-Chinese Delight

Chicken Chilly is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that combines succulent chicken chunks with a flavorful mix of spices, sauces, and vegetables. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is a favorite at restaurants and homes alike. Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to making this delicious dish that promises to be a hit at your next meal.

Ingredients
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
●500g boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
●2 tablespoons cornflour
●2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
●1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
●1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
●1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder
●Salt to taste
●Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
●2 tablespoons oil
●1 medium onion (diced)
●1 large capsicum (diced)
●3-4 green chilies (slit)
●1 tablespoon ginger (finely chopped)
●1 tablespoon garlic (finely chopped)
●2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
●1 tablespoon chili sauce
●1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
●1 teaspoon vinegar
●1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
●1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional for extra spice)
●Salt to taste
●1/2 cup water or chicken stock
●1 teaspoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Garnish:
●Spring onions (finely chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1.In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with cornflour, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, black pepper powder, and a pinch of salt.
2.Coat the chicken well and let it marinate for at least 20-30 minutes. This helps tenderize the chicken and enhances its flavor.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
1.Heat oil in a deep pan or wok.
2.Fry the marinated chicken pieces in small batches until they turn golden brown and crispy.
3.Remove and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
1.Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat.
2.Add chopped ginger and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
3.Toss in the green chilies, diced onions, and capsicum. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes to retain the crunch of the vegetables.
Step 4: Add the Sauces
1.Lower the heat slightly and add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar to the pan.
2.Mix well to coat the vegetables and allow the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce
1.Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan and mix them gently with the sauce.
2.Pour in the water or chicken stock, stirring to combine.
3.Add the cornflour slurry to the pan to thicken the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the chicken evenly.
Step 6: Final Touches
1.Sprinkle black pepper powder and adjust salt if needed.
2.Garnish with chopped spring onions for a fresh and vibrant finish.

Serving Suggestions
Chicken Chilly can be enjoyed in various ways:
●As a Starter: Serve hot as an appetizer with a side of chili garlic sauce or schezwan chutney.
●With Fried Rice or Noodles: Pair with vegetable fried rice or Hakka noodles for a complete meal.
●As a Wrap Filling: Use Chicken Chilly as a filling in wraps or rolls for a fusion twist.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Chilly
●Crispy Chicken: Ensure the oil is hot before frying to keep the chicken pieces crispy.
●Balance the Flavors: Adjust the quantity of chili sauce and soy sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
●Veggie Variation: Add other vegetables like carrots or baby corn for a more wholesome dish.
●Saucy or Dry: For a dry version, skip the chicken stock and cornflour slurry, allowing the sauce to cling to the chicken.

Chicken Chilly is a crowd-pleaser that brings together the bold flavors of Indo-Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply indulging in a midweek treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, put on your apron and savor the delightful combination of spice, tang, and crunch!