How to Make Authentic Indian Spicy Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Indian cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and unique spice blends. One of the most beloved dishes from the subcontinent is Indian chili chicken. It's a spicy and flavorful dish that is both comforting and delicious. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making this aromatic and juicy dish from scratch. Follow the steps and enjoy a homemade version of authentic Indian chicken that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

For First Marination

450 gms chicken breast, cut into strips 1 tbsp sesame oil Salt to taste A tsp crushed black peppercorns 1 tsp white pepper powder 1 tsp red chili sauce 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste 1 egg

For Second Marination

1 heaped tbsp cornstarch 2 tbsp refined flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 egg Salt to taste 1 tsp oil

Oil for Frying

Oil, as required

For Sauce Mixture

1 tbsp dark soy sauce 2 tbsp tomato ketchup 2 tbsp red chili sauce 1 tbsp green chili sauce 1 tsp vinegar 2-3 tbsp water 1 tsp sugar A pinch of black pepper powder (optional)

For Tempering

1 tbsp oil or sesame oil (optional) 2 dry red chillies, broken into half 1 inch ginger, chopped 2-3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 green chili (less spicy), chopped 1 fresh red chili, chopped 1 large onion, cut into strips Prepared sauce mixture 1 tsp sugar Salt to taste 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips 1 tsp spring onion, roughly chopped

For Garnish

Coriander sprig

Process

For First Marination

Firstly, cut chicken into strips and place them in a medium-sized bowl. Add sesame oil. Squeeze in a bit of salt, add ground black peppercorns, white pepper powder, and red chili sauce. Throw in your ginger garlic paste and gently mix everything together. Add an egg and ensure that the marinade coats the chicken well. Cover and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.

For Second Marination

Add cornstarch, refined flour, baking soda, another egg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined. Keep aside for further use.

For Frying

Heat oil in a kadai on medium flame. Pour in the marinated chicken and fry on a slow to medium flame until golden in color and thoroughly cooked inside. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Set it aside for later.

For Sauce Mixture

In a bowl, combine dark soy sauce, tomato ketchup, red chili sauce, green chili sauce, and vinegar. Mix in water, sugar, and a pinch of black pepper powder, then set it aside for further use.

For Tempering

Add oil in a wok or kadai, heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the dry red chillies, allowing them to splutter. Add the ginger, garlic, green chili, and red chili, sauté well. Add the onions and stir-fry till fragrant. Include the prepared sauce mixture, salt to taste, and blend thoroughly. Include cornstarch slurry to thicken and blend well. Add red and green bell peppers, continuing to stir-fry. Next, add the fried chicken strips and toss well. Finish with chopped spring onions. Transfer the dish to a serving dish, garnish with coriander sprig, and serve hot.

Conclusion

Indian chili chicken is a delightful dish that combines the perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors. By following these detailed steps, you can create a dish that will impress your family and friends. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your taste. Experiment with other additional ingredients like bell peppers or cilantro to individualize the recipe. Enjoy creating authentic Indian cuisine in your kitchen!