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Chilli Chicken
4.8 from 144 votes

Chilli Chicken

Chilli Chicken is made with marinated boneless chicken thighs coated with cornstarch and flour, fried until golden, then stir-fried with garlic, ginger, green chilies, onions, and colorful bell peppers. The dish features a savory, spicy sauce with soy and chili sauces, vinegar, and a hint of sweetness, garnished with spring onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 444 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Chinese, Indian

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken thighs boneless
  • neutral cooking oil for frying, generic cooking oil
  • 2 tablespoon neutral cooking oil for stir fry, generic cooking oil
  • 12 cloves garlic finely diced
  • 1 inch ginger finely diced
  • 3-4 green chili pepper cut lengthwise, adjust to taste
  • 2 cup red onions cut into squares and layers separated
  • 1 cup red bell pepper cut into squares
  • 1 cup green bell pepper cut into squares
  • 1/4 cup spring onions whites and green separated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup water
  • sesame seeds for garnish
For the chicken marinade:
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili sauce adjust to taste
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Stir Fry Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon red chilli sauce adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste

Instructions

Marinate the chicken
    Cup of Yum
  1. Cut the chicken into thin slices about an inch in size. Put them in a large bowl.
  2. Add all the marinade ingredients to the bowl and mix well with the chicken. Set aside for about 20 minutes. You can also refrigerate overnight. While the chicken is resting, prep the stir fry ingredients.
Fry the chicken*
  1. Stovetop option: Heat oil in a shallow pan with about 1/2 inch oil. Once the oil is hot, add chicken pieces and fry for 5-8 minutes. Turn couple of times till chicken is golden brown on both sides. Make sure to not overcook. Take the chicken out in a bowl lined with kitchen towel paper. (see notes to air fry)
  2. Air Fryer option: Preheat the air fryer to 380F for 3 minutes. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes. Shake basket half way through. 
Prepare the sauce and stir fry
  1. Mix all the stir fry sauces in a bowl.
  2. Make a slurry wiith mixing the cornstarch and water.
  3. In a wok or pan, heat oil for the stir fry on high heat. Add ginger, garlic and green chili pepper. Saute for a minute.
  4. Add onions, red and green bell pepper. Saute for 1-2 minutes. Add the white part of the spring onions and saute for another minute.
  5. Add the mixed sauces. Then add the cornstarch slurry. Mix and cook till the sauce thickens.
  6. Add the chicken and toss for a minute till the sauce coats the chicken.
  7. Garnish with green part of spring onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Prepare all ingredients before frying to ensure the chicken stays crispy during stir-frying.
  • Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of red chili sauce and green chilies; Kashmiri chili powder or Schezwan sauce can be added for color and heat.
  • Avoid overcooking the chicken while frying; the goal is a golden crust with tender meat inside.
  • Stir-fry vegetables on high heat for a brief period to maintain a slight crunch.
  • This dish can be served as an appetizer or with a gravy to suit your preference.

Nutrition Information

Calories 444kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 29g (10%) Protein 23g (46%) Fat 26g (40%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Cholesterol 111mg (37%) Sodium 1074mg (45%) Potassium 568mg (12%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 1455IU (29%) Vitamin C 92mg (102%) Calcium 55mg (6%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 444

% Daily Value*

Calories 444kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 29g 10%
Protein 23g 46%
Fat 26g 40%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 111mg 37%
Sodium 1074mg 45%
Potassium 568mg 12%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 1455IU 29%
Vitamin C 92mg 102%
Calcium 55mg 6%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.