Simple Cooking Techniques: Chinese Chilli Chicken Recipe

If you are a foodie who loves spicy food, Chinese chilli chicken is a dish you won't want to miss out on. This dish is a popular Indo-Chinese appetizer that consists of tender fried chicken bites tossed in a super aromatic sweet, spicy and slightly tangy chilli sauce. It's usually accompanied with Hakka noodles, Fried rice, Schezwan fried rice or even plain steamed basmati rice.

To make the perfect Chinese chilli chicken, you'll need to start with the essential ingredients such as chicken, garlic, ginger, chilli flakes, and Sriracha. You can use either chicken breasts, boneless skinless chicken thighs, or chicken tenderloins depending on your preference. Garlic and ginger are used as aromatics for the flavour base, while chilli flakes and Sriracha are used for the spice factor.

The preparation techniques for Chinese chilli chicken are relatively simple. You'll need to marinate the chicken in a mixture of flour, cornflour, ginger garlic paste, soy sauce, chilli sauce, chilli powder, pepper powder, and egg. After marinating for 15 minutes to an hour, deep fry the chicken until crispy. Then, stir fry it with lots of ginger, garlic, onions, bell peppers, and sauces to get a crispy and flavorful dish.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese chilli chicken is a popular Indo-Chinese appetizer that is sweet, spicy and slightly tangy.
• Essential ingredients for Chinese chilli chicken include chicken, garlic, ginger, chilli flakes, and Sriracha.
• Preparation techniques include marinating the chicken, deep frying it until crispy, and stir frying it with ginger, garlic, onions, bell peppers, and sauces.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese chilli chicken, there are a few essential ingredients that you'll need to have on hand. These include the protein selection, vegetables and aromatics, and sauce components.

Protein Selection

The most common protein used in Chinese chilli chicken is boneless chicken, either breast or thigh meat. However, if you want to switch things up, you can also use seafood such as shrimp or squid. If you choose to use seafood, make sure to clean and devein the shrimp or slice the squid into bite-sized pieces before cooking.

Vegetables and Aromatics

To give your Chinese chilli chicken its signature flavour, you'll need to use a variety of vegetables and aromatics. These include garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and spring onions. You can also add other vegetables such as carrots or mushrooms if you like. The vegetables should be cut into small pieces so that they cook evenly.

Sauce Components

The sauce is what really brings the dish together, and there are several components that you'll need to make it. These include soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and ketchup. You'll also need cornflour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, as well as water to help it cook down. For some extra heat, you can add some chilli powder or sriracha sauce.

The key to making a delicious Chinese chilli chicken is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to balance the flavours of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. With the right ingredients and a little bit of practice, you'll be able to make a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.

Preparation Techniques

Marinating the Chicken

The key to a delicious Chinese chilli chicken recipe is marinating the chicken properly. To do this, you will need boneless chicken thighs cut into small bite-sized pieces. You can also use chicken breasts or even seafood, such as prawns or squid, for a seafood twist.

In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with dark soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This will help the chicken absorb the flavours and tenderize it.

Batter and Coating

To achieve a crispy coating, you will need to make a batter using all-purpose flour and rice flour. Mix the flours with water until you get a smooth and thick consistency. Add a pinch of salt and some black pepper for extra flavour.

Once the chicken has marinated, toss it in the batter until each piece is coated evenly. You can also add some chopped spring onions or other vegetables to the batter for added texture and flavour.

Frying Methods

There are two ways to fry the chicken: deep-frying or stir-frying. For deep-frying, heat oil in a frying pan or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop in the chicken pieces and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.

For stir-frying, heat a tablespoon of oil in a frying pan or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and toss until they are cooked through and crispy.

Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in a spicy chilli sauce made from red chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, soy sauce, and vinegar. Serve hot with some steamed rice or noodles for a delicious and satisfying meal.

By following these simple preparation techniques, you can make crispy and flavourful Chinese chilli chicken at home. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of meat or seafood to make this dish your own.

Cooking the Dish

Stir-Frying Vegetables

To start, heat up some sesame oil in a wok or frying pan over high heat. Add in sliced onions and bell peppers and stir-fry for a minute or two until they start to soften. You can also add in other vegetables like broccoli or carrots if you like. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try adding in some seafood like shrimp or squid for a unique twist.

Combining Ingredients

Next, add in the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are browned on the outside. Make sure to use boneless chicken for easier cooking. You can marinate the chicken with a mixture of soy sauce, lime juice, chilli flakes, and ginger-garlic paste for added flavour. Once the chicken is cooked, add in a sweet and spicy sauce made with ketchup, chilli sauce, and honey. Stir everything together until the sauce coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.

Final Touches

To finish off, you can add in some chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish. Serve the dish hot with some steamed rice or noodles on the side. You can also make it into a gravy by adding in some cornstarch mixed with water and cooking it until it thickens. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or main course, and is sure to please anyone who loves sweet and spicy flavours. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or paneer.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

Chinese chilli chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some suggestions to help you make the most of your meal:

• Rice: Steamed rice is a classic accompaniment to Chinese chilli chicken. You can use plain white rice, brown rice, or even flavoured rice such as jasmine or basmati. The fluffy texture of the rice complements the spicy flavours of the chicken.

• Noodles: Chinese chilli chicken also goes well with noodles. You can use egg noodles, udon noodles, or even rice noodles. The noodles can be served either stir-fried or boiled, depending on your preference.

• Fried Rice: If you're looking for a more substantial accompaniment, fried rice is an excellent option. You can use plain fried rice or add some vegetables, such as peas and carrots, for extra flavour.

• Broccoli: Steamed broccoli is a healthy and delicious accompaniment to Chinese chilli chicken. The crisp texture of the broccoli complements the tender chicken and adds a fresh flavour to the dish.

Presentation Tips

Chinese chilli chicken is a visually appealing dish that can be presented in a variety of ways. Here are some tips to help you make your dish look as good as it tastes:

• Garnish with Spring Onions: Chopped spring onions are a great way to add some colour and flavour to your dish. Simply sprinkle them over the top of the chicken before serving.

• Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavour and a nice crunch to Chinese chilli chicken. Sprinkle them over the top of the chicken before serving.

• Serve with Other Chinese Dishes: Chinese chilli chicken pairs well with other Chinese dishes such as honey chilli chicken, crispy chilli beef, beef manchurian, or hakka noodles. You can serve these dishes together to create a complete Chinese meal.

• Try Seafood: For a twist on the classic recipe, you can try using seafood instead of chicken. Prawns, squid, or even scallops can be used to create a delicious seafood version of Chinese chilli chicken.

Social Media Sharing

Once you've made this delicious Chinese chilli chicken recipe, you'll definitely want to share it with your friends and family! Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are great places to share your culinary creations. You can even create a recipe video to show how easy it is to make this dish.

When sharing your recipe on social media, be sure to use relevant hashtags such as #chinesefood, #chillichicken, and #homemade. This will help your post reach a wider audience and attract more likes and comments.

If you want to add a twist to this recipe, you can also try using seafood such as prawns or squid instead of chicken. The spicy chilli sauce pairs perfectly with seafood, and it's a great way to switch up the flavours.

When using seafood in this recipe, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Prawns and squid cook much faster than chicken, so you'll need to reduce the cooking time to prevent overcooking.

Further, sharing your Chinese chilli chicken recipe on social media is a great way to showcase your cooking skills and inspire others to try new recipes. So go ahead and share your delicious creation with the world!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential ingredients for making chilli chicken?

The essential ingredients for making chilli chicken are boneless chicken, cornflour, soy sauce, vinegar, red chilli sauce, garlic, ginger, onion, bell peppers, and green chillies. You can also add seafood like prawns or fish to the recipe for a unique twist.

How do I prepare chilli chicken in an Indian style?

To prepare chilli chicken in an Indian style, you can add Indian spices like garam masala, cumin powder, and coriander powder to the recipe. Additionally, you can use curry leaves and mustard seeds for the tempering. This will give the dish a distinct Indian flavour.

Could you suggest a simple method for cooking chilli chicken?

A simple method for cooking chilli chicken is to marinate the chicken in a mixture of cornflour, soy sauce, and vinegar for at least 30 minutes. Then, fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown. In a separate pan, sauté garlic, ginger, onion, and bell peppers. Add the fried chicken and toss it with red chilli sauce. Serve hot.

Which recipe is considered the best for authentic Chinese chilli chicken?

The best recipe for authentic Chinese chilli chicken is one that uses Sichuan peppercorns, a key ingredient in Sichuan cuisine. You can follow a recipe that uses Sichuan peppercorns, light soy sauce, Chinese Shaoxing wine, and white sugar to make the dish.

Can you make chilli chicken with gravy, and if so, how?

Yes, you can make chilli chicken with gravy. To do this, add cornflour mixed with water to the pan after sautéing the garlic, ginger, onion, and bell peppers. Then, add chicken stock and red chilli sauce to the pan. Let the mixture simmer until the gravy thickens. Finally, add the fried chicken to the pan and toss it with the gravy.

Is there a way to cook chilli chicken without frying it?

Yes, you can cook chilli chicken without frying it. To do this, you can bake or grill the chicken instead of frying it. Once the chicken is cooked, sauté garlic, ginger, onion, and bell peppers in a pan. Add the chicken to the pan and toss it with red chilli sauce. Serve hot.