Chili Garlic Chicken is a fiery and flavorful Indo-Chinese dish made by tossing crispy fried chicken pieces in a garlicky, spicy sauce. This dish is packed with bold flavors from red chili paste, soy sauce, and aromatic garlic. It’s perfect for serving with fried rice, steamed rice, or noodles and makes for a delicious restaurant-style meal at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

To Fry the Chicken

½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
1 pinch baking soda
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 pound (500 g) boneless skinless chicken, cut into ½-inch pieces
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida)
2-3 cups oil (for frying)

To Make the Sauce

2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger
2-3 red chilies, slit in half
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons red chili paste
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 teaspoons tomato ketchup
2 tablespoons chopped spring onion greens

Directions

Fry the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine salt, ginger garlic paste, baking soda, and rice vinegar.
Add the chicken pieces, mix well, and let marinate for 30 minutes.
Add cornstarch and all-purpose flour to the marinated chicken and mix until well coated.
Heat 2-3 cups of oil in a deep pan over high heat.
Deep fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown. Set aside.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 ½ cups of water and set aside.
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
Add garlic, ginger, and red chilies and sauté for 40-50 seconds, until slightly browned.
Add bell pepper and onion and stir-fry for 1 minute.
Pour in the cornstarch slurry, followed by red chili paste, soy sauce, and tomato ketchup.
Stir and cook until the sauce thickens.
Add the fried chicken and mix well to coat in the sauce.
Garnish with spring onion greens and serve hot.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 296 kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 72mg
Sodium: 668mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin C: 23mg

Why Chili Garlic Chicken is a Must-Try Dish

Chili Garlic Chicken is a dish that stands out due to its combination of crispy texture and intense flavors. Unlike traditional fried chicken, which is served dry, this dish is tossed in a thick, spicy, and savory sauce, making it juicy, flavorful, and perfect for those who love bold, spicy dishes.

What makes this dish truly special is the aromatic garlic, fiery red chili paste, and the deep umami flavors of soy sauce. The crispy fried chicken pieces absorb the sauce beautifully, ensuring that every bite is packed with heat, tang, and smokiness. The addition of crunchy bell peppers and onions gives a nice contrast to the softness of the chicken, making it a well-balanced dish in terms of both taste and texture.

This dish is also highly versatile—it can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a main course. Whether you enjoy it on its own with a cold drink or pair it with steamed rice or noodles, it is a dish that is guaranteed to impress your taste buds.

The Key Elements of a Perfect Chili Garlic Chicken

Crispy and Juicy Fried Chicken

The base of this dish is crispy fried chicken that remains tender and juicy on the inside while forming a golden, crunchy coating on the outside. The secret to achieving this perfect texture lies in the marination and coating process.

The chicken is marinated in a blend of ginger-garlic paste, vinegar, and a touch of baking soda, which helps tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor. A coating of cornstarch and all-purpose flour creates the crispy, golden crust that holds up well in the sauce.

Deep-frying the chicken at the right temperature ensures that it remains crispy while staying moist inside. If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can also air-fry or bake the chicken, though deep-frying yields the most authentic texture.

A Bold, Spicy, and Garlicky Sauce

The sauce is what makes Chili Garlic Chicken irresistible. It is a perfect blend of heat, tang, and umami, made from red chili paste, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and tomato ketchup. The red chili paste provides spice and depth, while the soy sauce adds savoriness and a slight saltiness. Garlic is the star ingredient, giving the sauce its bold, aromatic kick.

A cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce, allowing it to coat each piece of chicken perfectly. This ensures that every bite is packed with intense flavors and a satisfying glaze. The balance between heat, saltiness, and a hint of sweetness makes the sauce incredibly well-rounded and addictive.

Crunchy Bell Peppers and Onions for Texture

Adding bell peppers and onions to the dish enhances both the texture and flavor. The bell peppers provide a slight sweetness and a satisfying crunch, while the onions add a subtle sharpness that complements the sauce. Stir-frying these vegetables for just a minute or two ensures that they retain their crispness, preventing them from becoming mushy.

For an extra layer of freshness and color, chopped spring onion greens are sprinkled over the dish before serving. This final touch adds a slight hint of onion flavor while also making the dish look more appetizing.

Serving Suggestions for Chili Garlic Chicken

Chili Garlic Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in multiple ways. It works as a main course or an appetizer, making it suitable for different occasions.

If serving it as a main dish, pair it with steamed jasmine rice, egg-fried rice, or Hakka noodles to complement the bold flavors. The mildness of steamed rice helps balance the heat, while noodles add an extra layer of texture and flavor.

For a more snack-like or appetizer-style experience, serve it on its own with a side of garlic dipping sauce or chili mayo. The crispy chicken coated in spicy sauce makes for a perfect finger food that pairs well with drinks.

To enhance the visual appeal and taste, garnish the dish with extra chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or finely chopped cilantro. These garnishes add freshness and a slight nuttiness, making the dish even more irresistible.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion

Chili Garlic Chicken is a perfect dish for all occasions. Whether you are entertaining guests, making a quick weeknight meal, or craving takeout-style food at home, this dish delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.

For weeknight dinners, it is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for when you want something flavorful but don’t have much time. It is also a great dish for meal prep, as it stores well and reheats beautifully.

For parties and gatherings, Chili Garlic Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests. The spicy, tangy, and garlicky flavors make it a perfect finger food or appetizer that pairs well with drinks.

During festive occasions like Diwali, Chinese New Year, or family celebrations, this dish can be served as part of a larger Indo-Chinese feast alongside dishes like Manchurian, fried rice, and chow mein.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chili Garlic Chicken

Overcrowding the Pan While Frying

Frying too many pieces of chicken at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy, greasy chicken instead of a crispy texture. Always fry in small batches for the best results.

Skipping the Marination Step

Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and tenderness. Skipping this step can lead to dry, bland chicken that lacks depth.

Not Stir-Frying the Vegetables Properly

Bell peppers and onions should be stir-fried for just a minute or two to keep them crunchy and fresh. Overcooking them makes them soft and reduces their vibrant texture.

Using Too Much Sauce

A good Chili Garlic Chicken dish should be coated in just the right amount of sauce. Using too much sauce drowns the crispy chicken, making it soggy instead of crunchy.

How to Store and Keep Chili Garlic Chicken Fresh

Chili Garlic Chicken stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.

If you plan to freeze it, store the fried chicken separately from the sauce. When ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce and toss in the crispy chicken for a fresh taste.

Conclusion

Chili Garlic Chicken is a bold, spicy, and incredibly flavorful dish that brings together crispy textures, garlicky heat, and a rich umami sauce. Whether served with rice, noodles, or enjoyed on its own, it is a dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

With its easy preparation, restaurant-style taste, and versatile serving options, this dish is perfect for home cooks who love takeout-style meals. Once you try making this crispy, saucy, and delicious Indo-Chinese dish, it will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!

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