There’s nothing quite like the sound of sizzling chicken filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of spice and savory goodness. Just last week, I was whipping up a batch of Chicken Manchurian, and as I stirred the tangy sauce, it took me straight back to my favorite local Indo-Chinese eatery. This dish, with its crispy chicken pieces enveloped in a delectable sweet and spicy sauce, has become a staple in my home, delighting everyone from family to friends.
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser for your next dinner party or simply want to elevate your weeknight meals, this easy recipe is here to rescue you from the monotony of takeout. What’s even better? There’s a vegetarian option (Gobi Manchurian), so everyone can enjoy it! So, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into making this mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings.
Why is Chicken Manchurian a must-try?
Crispy goodness: The chicken is perfectly crisp on the outside while remaining juicy inside, creating a delightful texture.
Tangy sauce: The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes in the sauce elevates the dish, making it a flavorful experience.
Quick preparation: This recipe is simple and requires minimal prep time, perfect for busy weeknights!
Crowd-pleaser: Everyone, from kids to adults, loves this dish, making it ideal for gathering friends and family.
Vegetarian option: You can easily swap chicken for cauliflower to whip up a delicious Gobi Manchurian, ensuring no one misses out on the fun.
Versatile serving: Pair it with rice, noodles, or enjoy it as a stand-alone snack; the possibilities are endless! Check out our storage tips for keeping leftovers fresh!
Chicken Manchurian Ingredients
• Perfectly crafted for your homemade feast!
For the Chicken
- Boneless Chicken – Use this as the primary protein and feel free to substitute with Gobi (cauliflower) for a vegetarian Chicken Manchurian.
- Cornstarch – Essential for achieving that crispy coating on the chicken, ensuring a delightful texture.
For the Sauce
- Garlic-Ginger-Onion Mix – This aromatic blend infuses depth; if you’re short on time, use fresh equivalents.
- Sweet Red Bell Pepper – Adds a burst of color and sweetness; if unavailable, any bell pepper will do.
- Chili Powder – Use Indian chili powder for an authentic kick; cayenne pepper is a fine substitute if you prefer.
- Soy Sauce – The heart of your umami flavor; for gluten-free options, tamari or coconut aminos work beautifully.
- Oyster Sauce – Enhances the dish’s sweetness; if you don’t have it, additional soy sauce with a pinch of sugar will suffice.
- Dark Soy Sauce – Provides a rich color; regular soy sauce can replace it if needed.
- Rice Vinegar – Adds a hint of acidity; white vinegar can act as a substitute.
- Sugar – Balances the flavors of the sauce, creating the perfect sweet-spicy symphony.
For Garnish
- Cilantro – Sprinkle this fresh herb for a garnish that brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
How to Make Chicken Manchurian
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Prepare the Paste: Start by blending garlic, ginger, and onion in a food processor until smooth. Reserve a portion for later; this fragrant paste is essential for flavoring both the chicken and the dish.
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Marinate the Chicken: Cut your boneless chicken into 1-inch pieces, then mix it with salt, soy sauce, chili powder, and the prepared paste. Allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour, or for best results, overnight in the refrigerator.
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Mix the Sauce: Dice the sweet red bell peppers and combine tomato paste, oyster sauce, sugar, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili powder, and water in a bowl. This tangy sauce will bring your Chicken Manchurian to life.
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Coat with Cornstarch: Just before frying, coat the marinated chicken pieces with cornstarch. This will ensure a wonderfully crispy texture when they’re fried.
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Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in your pan to 350°F (177°C). Fry the chicken in batches for about 5-6 minutes or until golden brown. Then, let them rest on a plate lined with paper towels.
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Sauté for Flavor: In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté the reserved onion mix and diced red peppers until aromatic. Pour in your prepared sauce and let it simmer until it thickens just slightly.
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Combine Everything: Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. Let this joyful blend simmer together for a minute to meld all those flavors.
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Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish your Chicken Manchurian with fresh cilantro and serve immediately alongside steaming rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Optional: For a spicy kick, add some chopped green chilies to the sauce!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Manchurian
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Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Manchurian in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
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Freezer: Freeze Chicken Manchurian for up to 1 month in a well-sealed freezer bag or container. For best results, freeze without the sauce to keep the chicken crispy.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to restore moisture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken soggy.
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Thawing: For frozen Chicken Manchurian, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This helps maintain the integrity of the flavors and texture.
Chicken Manchurian Variations
There’s always room to personalize your Chicken Manchurian, making it even more delightful to your taste buds.
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Vegetarian Delight: Substitute chicken with Gobi (cauliflower) for a delicious Gobi Manchurian that’s equally satisfying. The cauliflower soaks up the sauce beautifully!
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Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by adding fresh chopped green chilies or increase the amount of chili powder in the sauce. This twist will satisfy the spice lovers!
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Dry Version: For a finger-licking dry Chicken Manchurian, simply skip the sauce preparation step and toss the fried chicken with sautéed bell peppers and onions, seasoned to your liking.
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Sweet & Sour: For a tangy twist, add a splash of pineapple juice or diced pineapples to the sauce, creating a delightful sweet and sour variation that bursts with flavor.
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Crunchy Texture: Incorporate some chopped peanuts or cashews to the finished dish for added crunch and nuttiness. They offer a pleasant contrast to the tender chicken.
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Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like basil or mint for a refreshing twist. Their aromatic flavors can provide an exciting new dimension to the dish.
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Noodle Fusion: Instead of serving with rice, toss the Chicken Manchurian with stir-fried noodles for a fulfilling one-dish meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect Chicken Manchurian experience!
Expert Tips for Chicken Manchurian
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Marinating Magic: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour or overnight for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
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Crispy Delight: For extra crunch, double fry the chicken—fry once, let rest, then fry again briefly to achieve ultimate crispiness.
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Oil Temperature Check: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350°F (177°C), preventing soggy chicken from frying at too low a temperature.
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Avoiding Clumping: Coat the chicken with cornstarch just before frying to ensure even crispness and prevent clumping.
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Serving Fresh: Chicken Manchurian tastes best fresh! If you have leftovers, reheat gently to maintain that delightful crisp texture.
What to Serve with Chicken Manchurian?
Looking to create a complete and satisfying meal around your delightful Chicken Manchurian?
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy grains soak up the tangy sauce, giving each bite a luscious twist bursting with flavor.
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Hakka Noodles: These flavorful noodles complement the dish perfectly, creating a tantalizing Indo-Chinese feast that captures the imagination.
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Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy, golden spring rolls offer a delightful crunch to contrast against the tender chicken, adding an enjoyable textural element.
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Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances the spices with its cool, crisp texture, creating an inviting harmony on your plate.
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Chili Garlic Sauce: A drizzle of this spicy sauce can elevate the flavor to new heights, enhancing the overall taste experience for heat lovers.
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Fruit Chaat: A tangy fruit chaat serves as a vibrant palate cleanser, refreshing your taste buds and providing a deliciously sweet contrast.
Enjoy pairing these sides that not only elevate the flavors of Chicken Manchurian but are also rooted in tradition and comfort!
Make Ahead Options
Chicken Manchurian is ideal for meal prep, helping busy cooks save precious time during hectic weeknights. You can marinate the chicken and prepare the garlic-ginger-onion paste up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring the flavors are well-developed. Simply store the marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its quality. The sauce can also be made 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge; reheat it on the stovetop before combining with the fried chicken. When you’re ready to serve, fry the chicken and toss it in the reheated sauce for a delicious, freshly prepared dish that’s just as delicious as if made right away!
Chicken Manchurian Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing boneless chicken, look for pieces that are firm and have a pinkish hue without any dark spots. Fresh chicken has a subtle, pleasant aroma. If you’re going for the vegetarian option, opt for fresh cauliflower with a firm texture, avoiding any brown or dark spots.
How should I store leftover Chicken Manchurian?
Very easy! Store your Chicken Manchurian in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down completely before sealing to maintain its flavor and prevent condensation which could make it soggy.
Can I freeze Chicken Manchurian?
You certainly can! For best results, I recommend freezing the Chicken Manchurian without the sauce. Place the cooled, fried chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
How can I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy during frying?
To ensure your chicken remains crispy, monitor the oil temperature, aiming for 350°F (177°C). Coat the marinated chicken pieces with cornstarch just before frying, which creates a protective layer. Fry the chicken in small batches, allowing it to have enough space in the pan—this helps maintain the temperature and prevents it from steaming.
Are there any dietary considerations for Chicken Manchurian?
Indeed! For a gluten-free option, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. If you’re avoiding allergens, keep in mind to use safe substitutes for oyster sauce, or simply increase the amount of soy sauce while adding a pinch of sugar for sweetness. This recipe can be tailored to fit various dietary needs, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
Can I adjust the spice level in the sauce?
Of course! The beauty of Chicken Manchurian is its versatility. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the chili powder or remove additional spicy elements. Conversely, for a fiery kick, consider adding some sliced fresh green chilies or increase the chili powder to match your taste preferences. Enjoy adjusting the flavors to make it your own!
Savor Flavorful Chicken Manchurian: Easy Homemade Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blend garlic, ginger, and onion in a food processor until smooth. Reserve a portion for later.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and mix with salt, soy sauce, chili powder, and the prepared paste. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Dice the sweet red bell peppers and combine tomato paste, oyster sauce, sugar, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili powder, and water in a bowl.
- Coat the marinated chicken pieces with cornstarch just before frying.
- Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (177°C) and fry the chicken in batches for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
- In a separate pan, heat oil and sauté the reserved onion mix and diced red peppers until aromatic. Pour in the prepared sauce and simmer.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing gently to coat and letting it simmer together for a minute.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with rice or noodles.