Indian Chili Chicken

Prep Time: 20 mins min Cook Time: 20 mins min Servings: 4 Servings Difficulty: Intermediate

Indian food, particularly regional cuisine, is heavily influenced by its various rulers and foreign inspirations — one of the most enduring influences is our neighbor to the north: China. While at first glance, Indian and Chinese food appear to have almost nothing in common, but you will find an array of Chinese dishes that have been “Indian-ized” in the South, especially with the use of soy sauce, coconut milk, and spices, like five spice and star anise.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (6 to 8 smallish ones)
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce, plus extra if required
Ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon bouillon powder (or 1/2 a stock cube)
1 to 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
1-inch piece ginger, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 to 2 green bird's eye chili(s), sliced (add more if you like your sauce spicy)
1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Salt to taste
Fresh, chopped cilantro, to garnish
Sliced green onions, to garnish
Cooked rice or noodles, to serve

Instructions

Cut each chicken thigh into 2 to 3 smaller pieces. Place them in a large bowl, and stir in the soy sauce, black pepper, and bouillon powder. Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours, or even overnight.
When ready to cook, let the chicken come to room temperature on the counter for 20 minutes. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, and add the ginger, garlic, and bird's eye chili. Sauté for a minute, until fragrant, then add the green pepper and chicken. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, coating the chicken in the ginger, garlic, and chili mixture.
Turn down the heat to low, and cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes, covered, until the chicken is cooked. If the pan looks like it's drying out, add 1/4 cup of water.
Whisk the vinegar, cornstarch, and sugar in a small bowl. Once the chicken is almost cooked, uncover the pan, and add the vinegar-cornstarch mixture. Continue to cook for a few more minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and add salt to taste.
Serve, garnished with green onions and cilantro, over rice or noodles. This dish reheats and freezes very well; the dish is even better on the second day. Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.

Recipe Notes

You can also garnish the finished dish with extra sliced hot bird's eye chilis.

This dish has a lovely, thick broth-y texture. If you want it thinner, skip the cornstarch, and just add the sugar and vinegar.