Dry Chilli Chicken is a popular Indo-Chinese dish known for its bold flavors and fiery heat. It combines crispy fried chicken pieces with stir-fried vegetables in a spicy, tangy sauce, making it a perfect appetizer or side dish. The heat from the dried red chilies is balanced by the sweetness of onions and bell peppers, while soy sauce and vinegar give it a tangy kick. This dish is great for those who enjoy spicy food and can be easily adjusted to suit different heat preferences.
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
- 8-10 dried red chilies
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp chili sauce (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Spring onions, for garnish
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with cornflour, all-purpose flour, egg, 1 tbsp soy sauce, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat. Fry the marinated chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Prepare the Stir-Fry: In a separate pan or wok, heat 2 tbsp oil. Add the dried red chilies and sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in the minced garlic, chopped ginger, and green chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, then add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 2-3 minutes, keeping the vegetables slightly crisp.
- Make the Sauce: Add soy sauce, vinegar, chili sauce, sugar, and a pinch of salt to the vegetables. Mix well, then add the fried chicken pieces. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped spring onions, and serve hot. Enjoy this dry chili chicken with steamed rice or as a standalone snack!
