Debarshi’s Garlic Chicken

I think the best way to express your love for your loved ones is through food. I think that I am very lucky to have a loving, caring husband who knows how to cook! Especially now when I am in the last month of my third trimester, cooking seems like a huge chore and very difficult. My ankles are continuously swollen and I feel tired. I was just thinking of getting up and preparing something quick when Debarshi said he was going to cook. He prepared Shrimp Fried Rice and this delicious Garlic Chicken for me as a surprise!

Now, you can add whatever vegetables you like for this recipe. I would suggest you to cook a big portion so that you can enjoy the leftovers as well. I know people often think that chicken breasts get dry and bland but in this recipe they will be moist and crunchy. Plus, the garlic sauce will make the whole dish absolutely mouth watering. 

You can serve this amazing dish with pasta, cauliflower mash/ rice, zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash or plain rice. The beauty of this dish is garlic. Although we will be adding quite some amount it wont overpower the whole dish. If you love garlic, this dish is meant for you. If you are not a garlic fan, this dish will convert you. And yes, Debarshi has used fresh garlic, garlic powder and garlic pickle (from the Indian store) for this recipe and all of them together, create a very unique flavor in the dish. They bring more depth in the flavor without overpowering it.

Serve this delicious combo of Shrimp Fried Rice and Garlic Chicken with mashed potatoes and a side of vegetables (like sweet corn, roasted carrots and beets, green beans) or salad. I love that this meal tastes restaurant bought when you can easily prepare this in the comfort of your home. At this time of social distancing, we all need some project to keep ourselves busy right? If you like cooking, there is no better time to try out a few new dishes. 

Try the recipe then post your photos and comments using my hashtag #lifewithoutalu

Ingredients:

• Chicken – 2 boneless breast pieces, cut into 1 inch cubes
• Chili Flakes – 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper – 1 teaspoon
• Garlic Powder – ½ teaspoon
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• White Vinegar - 2 teaspoons + 1 tablespoon (for the sauce)
• Corn Starch (or All Purpose Flour) – as required (about ½ to 1 cup)
• Canola Oil – 2-3 cups (for frying the chicken) + ¼ cup for the sauce
• Red Onion – ½ cup, julienned
• Garlic - ¼ cup, chopped 
• Red Bell Pepper – 1, thickly sliced 
• Broccoli or Carrots – 1 cup each, sliced (optional)
• Scallion – 1 whole bunch chopped, divide the white and green portions separately
• Garlic Pickle – 1 heaped tablespoon (from the Indian store)
• Soy Sauce – ¼ cup
• Corn Syrup - 2 teaspoons

Recommended reading:

Kitchen essentials: Knives, Oils, Vinegars, Sauces and Wine

Directions for frying the Chicken:

• In a big bowl, add the Chicken with the Chili Flakes, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Salt and White Vinegar (2 teaspoons). Mix and marinate for half an hour.

• Add a little Corn Starch at a time, mix well to coat the chicken pieces evenly. Add a little water (1-2 teaspoons at a time) to form a thick paste. 
• Heat a wok on medium high heat and add the Oil (2-3 cups).
• Start dropping the chicken pieces in the oil one by one. Do not drop them together because they will stick together. Deep fry them till they are golden red in color. Maintain a single layer in the wok and do not over crowd. You may have to do 4-5 batches of fried chicken. Keep it aside. Recommended Reading: How to Deep-Fry food with Confidence

Directions for the Sauce:

• Heat the oil (¼ cup) over medium heat in a big skillet or pan. 
• Add the chopped Garlic, fry till it turns crisp and brown then add the Onion. Fry till it turns translucent.
• Add the vegetables (broccoli, carrots) with the white portion of the scallion
• Add the Garlic pickle with the Soy Sauce. Add a little water (3-4 tablespoons) with the Corn Syrup and White Vinegar (1 tablespoon).
• Let it simmer until the sauce thickens, add the Bell Pepper and cook for 2 minutes.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken pieces, garnish with ¼ cup of chopped green scallion.
• Serve hot with Shrimp Fried Rice.

Love chicken? Try these dishes as well:

• Tandoori Chicken
• Chilly Chicken
• One Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
• Butter Chicken (Indian Recipe: Chicken pieces in a creamy buttery gravy)
• Chicken Masala
• Dhaba Wala Saag Chicken (Chicken in Spinach Curry Rustic Indian Style)
• Dahi Chicken (Seared Chicken in Yogurt Gravy)
• Chicken Kosha (Bengali Style Hot Chicken Gravy)
• Pan Fried Chicken with a Cheesy Mushroom Loaded Gravy
• Spice Up Your Weeknight with Red Hot Baked Chicken