Crave-inducing delicacy: uncover the secrets of indian-style chilli chicken

Embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the tantalizing world of Indian-style chilli chicken. This beloved dish, a symphony of flavors and textures, is a staple in Indian cuisine and is sure to leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, our detailed recipe will guide you through every step to create this delectable masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into small pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into small pieces
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the green and red bell peppers and continue to sauté until slightly tender, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Spices

Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with cumin, coriander, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Add the Chicken

Add the prepared chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, water, honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Indian-style chilli chicken hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.

Tips

• For a spicier dish, add more red chili powder to the sauce.
• If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth instead.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of honey and soy sauce to suit your taste preferences.
• Serve with a side of raita or yogurt to balance the heat.

Variations

• Kadai Chicken: Add a tablespoon of garam masala to the sauce for a more traditional Indian flavor.
• Schezwan Chicken: Stir in a tablespoon of Schezwan sauce to give the dish a spicy and tangy kick.
• Lemon Chicken: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a refreshing twist.

In a nutshell: A Culinary Triumph

Congratulations! You have successfully mastered the art of creating Indian-style chilli chicken. This flavorful and versatile dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a satisfying meal, this recipe will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Information You Need to Know

Q: What can I substitute for chicken breasts?
A: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Simply reheat everything before serving.
Q: How do I store the leftovers?
A: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.