Chinese chili chicken

Chinese chili chicken is a popular dish in China and in many Chinese restaurants around the world. It is typically made by stir-frying chicken with chili peppers, garlic, and other seasonings. The dish is known for its spicy, savory flavor and is often served with rice or noodles.

The history of Chinese chili chicken is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the Sichuan province of China, which is known for its spicy cuisine. It is also a popular dish in other parts of China, including Hunan and Guangdong provinces.

Chinese chili chicken is made with boneless chicken that is cut into bite-sized pieces and then marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and other seasonings. The chicken is then stir-fried in a wok with garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. Some versions of the dish also include vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and scallions.

Chinese chili chicken is often garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions, and is sometimes served with a side of steamed broccoli or other vegetables. It is a versatile dish that can be made with different levels of spiciness to suit individual tastes.

Overall, Chinese chili chicken is a delicious and popular dish that has become a staple in many Chinese restaurants around the world.

Ingredients

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornflour
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3-4 dried red chilies, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• Spring onions, chopped for garnish (Optional)

Method

1. In a mixing bowl, add the cornflour, all-purpose flour, black pepper powder, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the mixing bowl and coat them well with the flour mixture.
3. Heat oil in a pan or wok over high heat.
4. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces to the pan and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove the chicken pieces from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
6. In the same pan, add the ginger paste, garlic paste, dried red chilies, and sauté them for 1-2 minutes.
7. Add the diced onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
8. Add the fried chicken pieces back to the pan and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.
9. Add chili sauce, soy sauce, tomato ketchup, sugar, and salt to taste. Mix everything together and cook for another minute or two.
10. Turn off the heat and transfer the chili chicken to a serving dish.
11. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy your homemade Chinese chili chicken!