Chicken Chilli And Cocktails That Go With It; Recipe Suggestions Inside
Chilli chicken is a popular Indo-Chinese dish known for its spicy flavour and crisp, juicy texture. It is typically made using boneless chicken pieces that are marinated and stir-fried or shallow-fried until golden. These are then tossed in a hot wok with a thick, glossy sauce that blends savoury soy, chilli, garlic, and tangy undertones. The taste is a fusion of salty, slightly sweet, and umami-rich elements, with a subtle smoky edge from the high-temperature cooking. Chilli chicken can be dry or semi-gravy depending on how it is served, but the flavour stays robust to pair either way.
3 Tips To Make Chilli Chicken Perfect
- Always cook chilli chicken on high flame, especially while stir-frying. This seals the chicken's moisture and gives it a lightly crisp texture without overcooking.
- A light coating of cornflour gives the chicken a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft. Avoid a thick batter, as it can turn soggy in the sauce.
- Chilli chicken sauce should have a clear balance of spice, salt, umami, and tang. Do not let the chilli mask the other flavours. Adjust with vinegar or a dash of sugar to round out the spice.
3 Cocktail Suggestions To Ensure A Well-Suited Flavour Combo
Rum Lemonade
The drink has a bright, citrus-forward profile with the mild character of white rum.
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 10 ml white rum
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- 10 ml sugar syrup
- 30 ml chilled soda water
- Lemon wheel, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Method
- Add white rum, fresh lemon juice, and sugar syrup into a shaker filled with ice cubes.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top up with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Whisky Sour
The cocktail combines light sweetness and whisky notes, offering a smooth, well-structured flavour.
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 30 ml whisky
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- 10 ml sugar syrup
- Lemon wedge, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Method
- Combine whisky, fresh lemon juice, and sugar syrup in a shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake firmly until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Mojito Cocktail
The concoction delivers a crisp profile with herbaceous flavour that is ideal for chilli chicken pairing.
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 30 ml white rum
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- 10 ml sugar syrup
- 30 ml soda water
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lime wedge, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Method
- Place mint leaves in a glass and gently press with a muddler to release aroma.
- Add white rum, fresh lime juice, and sugar syrup.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and top up with soda water.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a few mint leaves.
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
