Spicy Boneless Chicken Bites

I am back after a short hiatus. Summer months kept me busy with guests and parties. So, here is a lovely Indian appetizer using boneless chicken. This spicy masala flavored chicken bites are perfect for any Indian party.

Spicy Chicken Bites

Ingredients

Skinless & Boneless Chicken Thighs – 1 kg/2.2 lbs
Diced Onions – 1 large
Finely Minced Ginger – 1 tbsp
Finely Minced Garlic – 2 cloves
Curry Leaves – A large sprig
Hot & Sweet Chilly Sauce – 2 tbsp (Alternatively, you can use 2 tbsp Red Chilly Sauce and 2 tsp sugar)
Red Chilly Powder – 1/2 tsp (Alter according to your Spice Tolerance)
Black Pepper Powder – 1/2 tsp
Garam Masala Powder – 1/2 tsp
Chilly Garlic Sauce – 1 tbsp (Optional)
Salt – to taste
Water – as needed
Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp + 1 tsp

For the Marinade

Corn Flour – 2 tbsp
Chicken Masala Powder – 1 tbsp (I used Eastern Chicken Masala Powder)
Red Chilly Powder – 1 tsp (Alter according to your Spice Tolerance)
Turmeric Powder – 1/4 tsp
Black Pepper Powder – 1/2 tsp
Ginger Garlic Paste – 1 tbsp
Salt – to taste

Preparation Method

Trim all visible fat from the boneless & skinless chicken thighs. Cut it into small bite sized pieces. Wash the chicken thoroughly and soak it in water along with 1 tbsp lemon juice for around 5 minutes. Drain and keep aside.
Prepare a marinade using the above ingredients and apply it on the chicken pieces. Refrigerate it for atleast 2 hours or leave it overnight.
In a deep pan, heat oil for deep frying. Gently add the chicken pieces to the pan and fry for around 5-6 minutes. Drain onto a paper towel. You can do this in several batches.
Heat 2 tbsp oil in another non stick pan and add onions. Saute until translucent.
Throw in the curry leaves, minced ginger & garlic. Saute for a few more minutes.
Reduce heat and add red chilly powder, black pepper powder, chilly garlic sauce, hot & sweet chilly sauce. Add a few tablespoons of water to make a little gravy.
Add the fried chicken pieces and mix everything gently. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp garam masala powder.
Remove from stove top and keep covered. If you prefer, sprinkle 1 tsp lemon juice just before serving.

Note

I have used Chicken Thighs instead of Chicken Breasts as thighs tend to retain their softness after deep frying.
You can use any Hot & Sweet Chilly Sauce but if you prefer a tangy taste, you can use Maggi Hot & Sweet Tomato Chilly Sauce or add 1-2 tbsp ketchup along with the Chilly Sauce.