Soy & Chili Chicken Delight is your new weeknight dinner hero. This dish is not only healthy and delicious but also easy to make. With its bold flavors and minimal oil, it stands out as a perfect choice for anyone looking to whip up a nutritious meal without compromising on taste. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through the steps to create a mouthwatering dish that your family will love.
Why Choose Soy & Chili Chicken Delight?
This gluten-free recipe is designed to be both flavorful and healthy. We use minimal oil and skip the ghee, making it a lighter option compared to many other recipes. The white chicken meat is a lean protein source, adding to the health benefits of this dish. Plus, you have the option to adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Whether you like it mild or extra spicy, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate your preferences.
Ingredients and Alternatives
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need, along with some alternatives you can use:
Chicken Coating & Pan Frying
- Chicken breast: Boneless chicken breast is preferred. If using bone-in chicken breast, carefully debone it first.
- Alternative: Boneless chicken thighs.
- Kashmiri mirch: A mild spice level, usually available at Indian grocers.
- Alternative: 1/2 tsp paprika & 1/2 tsp red chili powder.
- Soy sauce: We use dark full sodium soy sauce. Kikkoman tamari-style is a trusted brand, and they also offer a low sodium version.
- Alternative: Tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Egg: Any large egg works, free-range or regular.
- Alternative: Flaxseed egg for a vegan option.
- Cornstarch: Fleischmann’s cornstarch is our go-to, but any brand will do.
- Alternative: Potato starch.
- Canola oil: Suitable for high heat cooking.
- Alternative: Any high-heat oil like sunflower oil or vegetable oil.
Sauce & Stir Fry
- Garlic: Regular garlic cloves, commonly found in grocery stores.
- Alternative: Garlic powder.
- Ginger: Half a thumb of ginger is ideal. Organic/desi ginger can be strong, so adjust the amount accordingly.
- Alternative: Ginger powder.
- Red bell pepper: Regular medium-sized red bell pepper.
- Alternative: Yellow or orange bell peppers.
- Green bell pepper: Regular medium-sized green bell pepper.
- Alternative: Any other bell pepper color.
- Onion: We prefer red onions, but yellow onions work just as well.
- Spring onion: Regular spring onion, available in season.
- Alternative: Leeks or omit if unavailable.
- Soy sauce: We use dark full sodium soy sauce, Kikkoman tamari-style is a preferred brand.
- Alternative: Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Sugar: We use cane sugar for its mellower taste.
- Alternative: Refined white sugar (use half the amount), honey, or maple syrup.
- Kashmiri mirch: A mild spice available at Indian grocers.
- Alternative: 1/2 tsp paprika & 1/2 tsp red chili powder.
- Garam Masala: Premixed or homemade using our garam masala recipe.
- Alternative: Store-bought garam masala mix.
- Canola oil: Suitable for high heat cooking.
- Alternative: Any high-heat oil like sunflower oil or vegetable oil.
Health Benefits
This recipe emphasizes health without sacrificing flavor. By using white chicken meat, we ensure a lean protein source. Minimal oil and no ghee contribute to a lighter dish. Additionally, the ability to control the spice level means you can make it suitable for everyone in the family. The inclusion of bell peppers and onions adds a nice crunch and boosts the nutritional value of the meal.
Customizing Your Dish
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. If you’re looking to make it less spicy, simply reduce the amount of Kashmiri mirch or skip the chili powder. For a vegan option, use tofu instead of chicken and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg. You can also experiment with different vegetables or protein sources to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
Q & A Section
Q: How can I make this dish less spicy?
A: Reduce the amount of Kashmiri mirch or skip the chili powder. You can also add more bell peppers to balance the heat.
Q: Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
A: Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu, paneer, or even shrimp.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or flatbreads like rotis or naan.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Absolutely! Use tofu instead of chicken, and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg.
Soy & Chili Chicken Delight is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. With its bold flavors and customizable ingredients, it offers something for everyone. Try it out tonight and enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and good for you.
Ingredients
Chicken coating & pan frying
- 2 boneless chicken breast (1-inch cubes)
- 1/2 tsp Kashmiri mirch
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2-3 tbsp canola oil
Sauce & stir fry
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- ½ tsp ginger minced
- 1 red bell pepper (1 ½ cubed)
- 1 green bell pepper (1 ½ inch cubed)
- 1 large onion ( 1 ½ inch cubed)
- 1 spring onion ( 1 cm slices, optional)
- 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp sugar (optional)
- 1 ½ tsp Kashmiri mirch
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp canola oil
Instructions
Chicken Coating & Pan Frying
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In a bowl, mix chicken, Kashmiri mirch, soy sauce, cornstarch, and egg until well coated.
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Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides. Set aside.
Sauce & Stir Fry
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Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onions, cooking until onions start to caramelize.
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Add the cooked chicken, Kashmiri mirch, and garam masala. Cook for 7-8 minutes.
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Stir in the bell peppers, soy sauce, sugar, and ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bell peppers are tender.
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Serve over rice with rotis or naan.