4 Chilli Chicken Creations: Cashew Nut, Indo Style, Honey & Stew

(Updated Version)

Chilli Chicken is more than just a staple in Chinese eateries - it's a dish that invites creativity and personal flair. Whether you order it as part of a group meal or spot it at a Chinese mix rice (chap fun) stall, Chilli Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. The classic recipes are great, but for Ms. Nava, adding her unique twist is a must. If you've noticed in the pictures, she likes to throw in some potatoes - have you ever tried Chilli Chicken with potatoes? If not, it's time to get adventurous in your kitchen (PORTUGUESE CHICKEN DEVIL CURRY). Or why not add your own twist with ingredients that excite you?

I’m about to share how you can transform Chilli Chicken  (MALAY CHICKEN RECIPES) into something entirely new, while keeping chillies and chicken as the stars of the show. Whether you prefer fresh red chillies or dried ones, this versatile dish is all about bold flavors and personal touches. For a typical Malaysian like me, chillies are essential, adding that spicy kick I can’t live without.

Chilli Chicken is also truly easy to put together, plus the pairing does not have to be elaborate. For example, for the Chinese Style Chilli Chicken, throw in some sliced onion atop and pair it with a simple stir-fry like Okra stir fry and a chili dip. For me, it can be sambal belacan or Cecah Cili Padi/Malaysian Birds Eye Chillies Dip, as shown in the picture above.

Cashew Nut Chilli Chicken

Ingredients

500g chicken fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces

200g roasted/fried cashew nuts

2 medium-sized potatoes, simmered until soft, cubed, and fried (skin removed)

1 inch ginger, chopped

5 garlic cloves, chopped

4 shallots, chopped

5-6 dried red chillies, snipped into smaller pieces

1 tbsp dark soy sauce

1 tbsp light soy sauce

1 tsp sugar

4 tbsp oil

Black pepper and salt (if needed)

Method

Heat the oil and sauté the ginger, garlic, shallots, and dried chillies.

Add the chicken and cook for a few minutes.

Pour in the dark soy sauce and light soy sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Continue cooking until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.

Stir in the cashew nuts and potatoes, then remove from heat.

(Optional: Garnish with coriander leaves)

Indo Style Chilli Chicken

For a different spin, skip the cashew nuts and potatoes. Stick to the same core ingredients, but swap in fresh red chillies for the heat, and top with spring onions for garnish.

Honey Chilli Chicken

This version skips the cashew nuts and potatoes too. Instead, add roasted white sesame seeds and curry leaves for aroma. This dish is slightly saucier, so feel free to add some water. Replace the sugar with honey for a sweet, sticky finish. The other ingredients remain the same.

Chinese Chilli Chicken Stew

No cashew nuts or potatoes needed here. You can choose to cut the chicken into sizes you prefer, whether bigger or smaller. The secret ingredient is a few drops of sesame oil. Since this version is more like a stew, you might need to adjust the seasoning as you cook - taste as you go to perfect the flavor.

Ready to take your Chilli Chicken to the next level? Try these variations and make the dish your own.