Chicken Manchurian

To truly elevate your Chicken Manchurian dish, consider adding a pop of freshness and crunch with some colorful bell peppers. The vibrant red, green, and yellow peppers not only add a beautiful visual element to your dish but also bring a satisfying crunch with every bite. As the Chicken Manchurian simmers in its flavorful sauce, the peppers soak up all the delicious flavors, adding a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the rich and savory chicken.

Another fantastic way to take your Chicken Manchurian to the next level is by incorporating some thinly sliced onions. When cooked down with the chicken and the tangy sauce, the onions caramelize and turn irresistibly sweet and savory. They add a depth of flavor to the dish that will have your taste buds singing.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can kick things up a notch by tossing in some thinly sliced green chilies. These little gems pack a spicy punch that cuts through the richness of the sauce, creating a tantalizing balance of flavors. Whether you like your food mildly spicy or extra hot, adding green chilies to your Chicken Manchurian is a surefire way to customize the dish to your liking.

If you’re a fan of texture in your meals, consider sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds over your Chicken Manchurian before serving. The nutty aroma and flavor of the sesame seeds add a delightful crunch that takes this dish from delicious to extraordinary. Plus, the visual appeal of the glistening sesame seeds against the rich sauce is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

By incorporating these simple yet impactful additions, you can transform your Chicken Manchurian into a restaurant-worthy dish that will impress your family and friends. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to get creative and make it your own. So go ahead, experiment with different ingredients, and make this classic Indo-Chinese dish a standout star on your dining table.

Key Ingredients in Chicken Manchurian

To create a truly flavorful Chicken Manchurian, it’s all about the balance of savory, tangy, and spicy elements. These ingredients work together to give the dish its irresistible taste and texture. Here’s a breakdown of the key components that come together to make this recipe a standout.

Sauce:

• Chicken Stock
  Acts as the base for the sauce, providing a rich, savory depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients and infuses the chicken with moisture.
• Soy Sauce
  Brings a savory umami flavor to the sauce, enhancing the overall richness of the dish and balancing the sweetness from the sugar.
• Vinegar
  Adds a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the sauce, bringing a necessary acidity that balances all the flavors beautifully.
• Ketchup
  Provides a touch of sweetness and mild tang, while also helping to thicken the sauce slightly for that perfect coating consistency.
• Chili Sauce
  Offers a bit of spice and heat, infusing the dish with a zesty kick that complements the sweetness and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Sugar
  Sweetens the sauce just enough to balance out the acidity and spice, giving the dish that delicious sweet-savory combo.
• Black Pepper
  Adds a mild heat and an earthy undertone, enhancing the flavor of the chicken and sauce while subtly warming up the taste.

Chicken:

• Boneless Chicken
  The star of the dish! Cut into bite-sized pieces, it becomes tender and juicy, soaking up all the incredible flavors of the sauce.
• Salt
  A key seasoning to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and balance all the ingredients.
• Black Pepper
  Enhances the chicken’s natural flavor and complements the other spices in the dish.
• Garlic Powder
  A convenient way to add that delicious, aromatic garlic flavor without the need to chop fresh garlic, making it an easy yet essential ingredient in the batter and sauce.
• Ginger Powder
  Adds a hint of warmth and spice to the chicken, complementing the garlic and other ingredients in the sauce perfectly.
• All-Purpose Flour
  Coats the chicken pieces before frying, creating a crispy exterior that holds up well to the sauce without becoming soggy.
• Cornstarch
  Works with the flour to create a lighter, crispier texture on the chicken, ensuring the pieces stay crunchy even after being tossed in the sauce.

Other:

• Oil for Cooking
  Used to fry the chicken pieces, allowing them to get golden and crispy before being coated in the flavorful sauce.
• Chopped Garlic
  Infuses the oil with a rich, savory flavor when sautéed, providing the dish with that irresistible garlic aroma and taste.
• Chopped Ginger
  Adds a fresh, zesty warmth that elevates the flavor profile of the dish, especially when combined with the garlic.
• Sliced Bell Peppers
  Bring a sweet crunch to the dish, soaking up the flavors of the sauce and adding color and texture that complements the soft chicken.
• Sliced Onions
  Caramelize beautifully as they cook with the chicken, adding a rich sweetness and depth of flavor that balances the tangy sauce.
• Chopped Spring Onions for Garnish
  Adds a fresh, slightly sharp bite when sprinkled on top of the finished dish, brightening up the rich flavors and adding a burst of color.

How to Make Chicken Manchurian

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Manchurian

1. With Steamed Rice: There’s nothing quite like the classic combo of Chicken Manchurian and fluffy steamed rice. The rice absorbs the rich, savory sauce, and every bite feels like a cozy, comforting hug. For an extra touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of the rice to bring in a little crunch and nuttiness. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

2. With Hakka Noodles: If you’re craving something with a bit more texture, serve your Chicken Manchurian alongside some stir-fried Hakka noodles. The noodles, with their slightly chewy texture, perfectly complement the crispy chicken and sauce. Toss in a handful of fresh veggies like cabbage or carrots to add color and crunch!

3. As a Starter: For a fun twist, serve Chicken Manchurian as a starter at your next dinner party. The vibrant sauce and crispy chicken are sure to steal the show. Pair it with a side of dipping sauce like sweet chili or soy sauce for an added layer of flavor that your guests will love.

How to Store Chicken Manchurian

When it comes to storing your delicious Chicken Manchurian, the key is to keep that crispy texture intact while maintaining the rich, flavorful sauce. If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them properly.

First, let the Chicken Manchurian cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation inside the container, which could make the crispy chicken soggy. Once cooled, transfer the dish into an airtight container. For the best results, separate the chicken from the sauce if possible. This way, the chicken stays crispy, and the sauce doesn’t soften it too much.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat the chicken in a pan over medium heat. Toss the crispy pieces in the sauce just before serving to keep that delightful crunch. If you’ve stored everything together, gently heat it up on the stovetop or in the microwave, but be mindful not to overcook the chicken, as it might lose its texture.

If you’re looking to store your Chicken Manchurian for a longer period, you can freeze it. Just make sure to wrap the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe bags or containers to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to dig into your frozen stash, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above for the perfect meal.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you’ve unlocked the secrets to creating a sensational Chicken Manchurian dish that will have your taste buds dancing with delight! By incorporating the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy elements, you’ve transformed a simple recipe into a flavorful masterpiece that is sure to impress.

From the crispy fried chicken coated in a luscious sauce to the colorful bell peppers and caramelized onions adding depth and crunch, every bite of this dish is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Whether you choose to enjoy it with steamed rice, Hakka noodles, or as a show-stopping starter at your next gathering, Chicken Manchurian is a versatile dish that is bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

So, go ahead and print out this recipe to keep it handy for your next cooking adventure. And remember, feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or stories of your Chicken Manchurian triumphs. I’d love to hear from you and cheer you on as you embark on your flavorful journey in the kitchen. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Chicken Manchurian

Author: Maria Bennet Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 50 mins

Calories: 390

Description

Chicken Manchurian is a mouthwatering blend of crispy chicken coated in a bold, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce, bursting with garlic, ginger, and soy flavors. It’s the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic—absolutely irresistible!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• Sauce:

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon vinegar

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 tablespoon chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• Chicken:

• 500 grams boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ginger powder

• ¹⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour

• ¹⁄₄ cup cornstarch

• Other:

• 2 tablespoons oil for cooking

• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic

• 1 tablespoon chopped ginger

• ¹⁄₂ cup sliced bell peppers (capsicum)

• ¹⁄₂ cup sliced onions

• ¹⁄₄ cup spring onions, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. To begin, cut the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
3. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour and cornstarch over the chicken and toss well until the pieces are coated evenly.
4. Heat two tablespoons of oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
5. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
6. Fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
7. Remove the fried chicken pieces from the pan and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. In the same pan, add one tablespoon of oil and heat over medium heat.
9. Add the chopped garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
11. In a separate bowl, combine the chicken stock, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, chili sauce, sugar, and black pepper to make the sauce.
12. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the vegetables and bring it to a simmer.
13. Allow the sauce to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
14. Add the fried chicken pieces back into the pan with the sauce and toss them to coat evenly in the sauce.
15. Cook the chicken in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly and coat the chicken.
16. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the Chicken Manchurian to a serving dish.
17. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped spring onions.
18. Serve the Chicken Manchurian hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Note

• Ensure the chicken pieces are coated evenly with the flour and cornstarch mixture to create a crispy texture when fried.
• Incorporate your favorite vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust the amount of chili sauce based on your spice preference for a milder or spicier Chicken Manchurian.
• For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of vinegar in the sauce or add a splash of lemon juice.
• To make the dish healthier, consider baking or air-frying the chicken pieces instead of deep-frying them.

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