Kolkata, the city of joy, isn't just known for its rich culture and history; it boasts a vibrant street food scene that tantalizes the taste buds. Among the many culinary delights, Kolkata-style Chili Chicken reigns supreme, a fiery and flavourful dish that packs a punch. This isn't your typical chicken chili; the Kolkata version offers a unique blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, achieved through a masterful combination of aromatic spices and a perfectly balanced sauce. Forget bland, pre-packaged options – this recipe unlocks the secrets to authentic Kolkata street food magic.
This recipe takes you on a culinary journey, recreating the irresistible flavours found in the bustling streets of Kolkata. We'll guide you through each step, from perfectly marinating the chicken to creating the vibrant, flavorful chili sauce that elevates this dish to a whole new level. Prepare to be amazed as you learn to make this incredibly addictive, mouth-watering chili chicken, a true taste of Kolkata right in your kitchen.
Tools Needed
- frying pan
- bowl
- whisk
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Marinate and Prepare Chicken
- Marinate boneless chicken thighs with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and egg whites. This helps create a crispy coating.
- Coat the marinated chicken with a mixture of cornstarch and baking soda. This tenderizes the chicken and keeps it juicy.
Step 2. Deep Fry the Chicken
- Deep fry the chicken at 350°F for about 10 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
Step 3. Prepare and Thicken the Chili Sauce
- Prepare the sauce by mixing bird's eye chili, vinegar, spring onion whites, sugar, ketchup, Kashmiri red chilies, onions, garlic, bell peppers, and soy vinegar.
- Stir-fry the sauce ingredients over high heat until fragrant. Add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
Step 4. Combine and Garnish
- Add the deep-fried chicken to the sauce, turn off the heat, and toss gently to coat. Garnish with spring onion greens.
Read more: Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry: A Simple Yet Sumptuous Recipe
Tips
- Chop vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Use a 50/50 ratio of all-purpose flour and potato starch for the batter to achieve an airy crunch.
- Turn off the heat before adding the chicken to the sauce to prevent the coating from becoming soggy.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
While boneless chicken is traditional for easier eating, bone-in chicken works too. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
2. What if I don't have all the spices listed?
Try your best to source the listed spices for the most authentic flavor. However, you can substitute similar spices if necessary – for instance, you can use paprika instead of Kashmiri chili powder for a similar color, but the flavor will differ slightly.
3. How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of green chilies or use milder chilies. You can also add a touch more sugar or vinegar to balance the heat.
So there you have it – your very own taste of Kolkata street food, right at home! This authentic Chili Chicken recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant flavors and irresistible spiciness. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary journey!