Chili Garlic Chicken is a fiery and flavorful Indo-Chinese dish featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a spicy, garlicky sauce. Packed with bold flavors from garlic, red chilies, and soy sauce, this dish is perfect when served with fried rice, steamed rice, or noodles. Whether you love takeout-style food or want to spice up your dinner, this recipe is a must-try!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken:

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

For the Chili Garlic 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:

1. In a bowl, mix salt, ginger garlic paste, baking soda, and rice vinegar. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Add cornstarch and all-purpose flour to the bowl, mixing to evenly coat the chicken.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

1. In a bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 ½ cups of water to create a slurry. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add garlic, ginger, and red chilies, sautéing for about 40 seconds.
3. Add bell pepper and onion, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, red chili paste, soy sauce, and tomato ketchup. Cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Toss in the fried chicken and coat well. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Garnish with spring onion greens and serve hot with rice or noodles.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

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

This Chili Garlic Chicken is a spicy, restaurant-style dish you can easily make at home. Perfect for spice lovers looking for a quick and delicious meal! 🔥🍗

The Appeal of Indo-Chinese Cuisine

Indo-Chinese cuisine is a unique culinary fusion that blends Chinese cooking techniques with Indian flavors and spices. Originating from the Hakka Chinese community in India, this cuisine has grown in popularity, becoming a staple in many households and street food stalls. Dishes like Chili Garlic Chicken, Manchurian, and Hakka Noodles showcase the perfect combination of fiery chilies, aromatic garlic, and umami-packed sauces. The spicy, saucy nature of Indo-Chinese food makes it incredibly appealing, especially for those who enjoy bold flavors.

What Makes Chili Garlic Chicken Special?

Chili Garlic Chicken stands out because of its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crispy fried chicken pieces provide a crunchy bite, while the rich sauce coats each piece in a garlicky, spicy glaze. The addition of red chilies, soy sauce, and tomato ketchup creates a layered taste, offering heat, sweetness, and tanginess all in one. Unlike traditional stir-fries, where chicken is simply tossed in sauce, this dish elevates the experience by first frying the chicken, giving it an irresistibly crispy exterior.

The Key to Crispy Fried Chicken

The crispy texture of the chicken is a crucial element of this dish. The use of cornstarch and all-purpose flour creates a light yet crunchy coating that holds up well even when mixed with the sauce. Adding baking soda to the marinade helps tenderize the chicken while ensuring a crispier finish when fried. Marinating the chicken in a mixture of salt, ginger-garlic paste, and rice vinegar infuses it with flavor and helps in achieving a tender texture.

For best results, deep-frying the chicken at the right temperature is essential. If the oil is too hot, the outer layer may burn before the inside is fully cooked. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Maintaining a medium-high heat ensures even cooking and a golden, crispy finish.

The Secret to a Flavorful Chili Garlic Sauce

The sauce is the heart of this dish, bringing together an explosion of flavors. Garlic is a key ingredient, providing a rich, aromatic base that enhances the overall taste. The combination of red chili paste, soy sauce, and tomato ketchup creates a deep, spicy, and slightly sweet profile that perfectly complements the crispy chicken.

Red chilies add heat to the dish, but the spice level can be adjusted based on personal preference. For a milder version, reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds before using them. The cornstarch slurry plays a crucial role in thickening the sauce, ensuring it clings to the chicken without becoming too watery.

Bell peppers and onions add a crunchy texture and freshness to the dish. The vegetables not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a mild sweetness that balances the bold, spicy flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Chili Garlic Chicken

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile meal choice. Steamed rice is a classic accompaniment, allowing the spicy sauce to be absorbed, creating a satisfying bite. For a more indulgent option, fried rice or vegetable noodles enhance the Indo-Chinese experience.

If you prefer a low-carb alternative, serve Chili Garlic Chicken with stir-fried vegetables or cauliflower rice. The dish can also be enjoyed on its own as an appetizer or party snack, making it a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings.

Customizing the Dish to Your Preference

One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili paste and fresh chilies. If you enjoy a sweeter taste, a dash of honey or brown sugar can add a hint of caramelization to the sauce.

For those who prefer a more savory flavor, adding a bit of oyster sauce or a splash of vinegar can enhance the umami and tanginess of the dish. To make it even more aromatic, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro as a garnish can add a delightful finishing touch.

If you’re looking for a healthier version, consider air-frying or baking the chicken instead of deep-frying. While deep-frying provides the signature crispy texture, an air fryer can still achieve a satisfying crunch with less oil.

Tips for Perfecting Chili Garlic Chicken

Achieving the best results with this dish requires attention to a few key details. Always marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully. Using fresh garlic instead of pre-minced or garlic powder enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce. When sautéing garlic, be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can add bitterness to the dish.

When making the sauce, cook it over high heat for a short time to retain the crispness of the vegetables. Overcooking the bell peppers and onions can result in a mushy texture, which takes away from the dish’s appeal.

For an extra crispy texture, fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, making the chicken less crispy. Once fried, drain the chicken on a paper towel to remove excess oil before tossing it into the sauce.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

Chili Garlic Chicken is a restaurant-style dish that brings excitement to any meal. Its crispy texture, bold flavors, and spicy kick make it a favorite among those who enjoy Indo-Chinese cuisine. Unlike store-bought or takeout versions, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to your liking.

The quick cooking time and simple preparation make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners, while its impressive presentation and vibrant colors make it ideal for special occasions. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or just love trying new flavors, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.

Conclusion

Chili Garlic Chicken is a fiery, flavorful dish that brings together crispy chicken and a bold, garlicky sauce in the best possible way. As a staple of Indo-Chinese cuisine, it delivers the perfect balance of spice, crunch, and umami. With its easy preparation and versatile serving options, this dish is a fantastic addition to any recipe collection. Whether served as a main dish or an appetizer, it never fails to impress. If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal with a spicy kick, Chili Garlic Chicken is the perfect choice to spice up your dinner table.