Chilli Chicken Recipe

Chilli Chicken is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that has found its place in the hearts of food enthusiasts across the South region of India. It's a tantalizing fusion of tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sauce, packed with the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Here's a detailed recipe for you to enjoy:

Ingredients:

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 1 capsicum (bell pepper), thinly sliced
• 2-3 green chilies, thinly sliced
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Spring onions, chopped for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

For the Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the ingredients for the marinade - cornflour, all-purpose flour, beaten egg, soy sauce, and ginger-garlic paste. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
5. Add thinly sliced onions, green chilies, and capsicum (bell pepper). Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until they are slightly softened but still retain their crunch.
6. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and a splash of water to make the sauce.
7. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to combine.
8. Add the fried chicken pieces back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the chicken is coated evenly with the sauce.
9. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken pieces nicely.
10. Check for seasoning and adjust salt if needed.
11. Garnish with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds, if using.
12. Serve hot as a delicious appetizer or as a side dish with fried rice or noodles!

Chilli Chicken is a perfect example of the culinary diversity in the South region of India. With its bold flavors and vibrant colors, it's a dish that's sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more!