Juicy, spicy and beautifully charred, this smoky chilli garlic grilled chicken marinated in a base of Greek yogurt is an incredibly easy way to make restaurant-style grilled chicken at home!
If you love chicken with a little heat and lots of flavor, this chilli garlic grilled chicken is for you! The smokiness of these grilled chicken is on another level thanks to the cast iron skillet used for grilling!
It's an incredibly simple chicken recipe, but the flavor is anything but ordinary.
Chicken thighs and drumsticks are coated in a creamy Greek yogurt marinade spiked with crispy chilli garlic oil and paprika, then grilled on a cast-iron skillet until juicy on the inside and beautifully charred around the edges.
The Story Behind This Chilli Garlic Grilled Chicken Recipe
I absolutely love recipes that come together from a few simple ingredients but somehow taste like you put in much more effort than you actually did.
This chilli garlic grilled chicken is one of those recipes.
I wanted to make grilled chicken with a really bold chilli-garlic flavor, but without putting together a long list of spices or making a complicated marinade.
So I reached for two ingredients that work beautifully with chickenβGreek yogurt and crispy chilli garlic oil.
The Greek yogurt gives the chicken a lovely tangy coating and helps keep the meat juicy, while the crispy chilli garlic oil brings in the heat, garlic and all those delicious little crispy chilli bits.
A touch of paprika adds warmth and color, and that's pretty much all this chicken needs.
The chicken is then arranged directly on a cast-iron skillet and cooked in a hot oven until completely cooked through and charred around the edges.
And those charred edges? That's where the magic happens!
The result is juicy, tender chicken with a fiery chilli-garlic flavor and beautifully caramelized edges. It's the kind of chicken that works equally well for a weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue-style meal or even meal prep.
There may be hundreds of recipe for Vegetable Noodle Soup, but this version is one of the easiest you will ever make. This veg noodle soup recipe is loaded with vegetables, cooked in one single pot, and is so filling and comforting. Vegetable Noodle Soup When you are dieting having lots of soups really helps...
Salt and pepper tofu is a crispy, tasty and easy Chinese dish that you can make at home with simple ingredients. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and makes great for lunch, dinner or even for snack. This homemade version is flavourful, healthier and tastes even better than restaurants. You can enjoy this...
Gobi 65 is an Indo-Chinese classic dish with battered, deep-fried cauliflower. But in this recipe, we make gobi 65 in the air fryer for a lighter, healthier, and guilt-free version.Β
Most of our Indo-Chinese orders call for either gobi 65 or chicken 65, because how can they not! What is not to love about crispy spicy cauliflower florets in the most delicious tempering. Originally Gobi 65 is made by deep frying cauliflower florets, but this recipe is my attempt at making it healthier by air frying gobi. The result is the same crispy, crunchy cauliflower, but minus the excess oil and guilt. And once tossed in that quick tempering, it creates pure magic!Β
Itβs a quick recipe that calls for some basic ingredients but delivers max flavor. Once you find out how easy it is to make gobi 65 at home, believe me youβre never calling for takeout again!Β
Cauliflower: Cut into florets and blanched for before use.Β
Spices: turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, cumin powder, fennel powder, and coriander powder for warmth, color, and flavor.
Ginger and garlic: Used in two ways β the paste is used in the marinated and finely chopped ginger and garlic is used in the tempering for flavor and aroma.Β
Sugar: for balance and to add a slight sweetness.Β
Curry leaves: Used in the marinade and tempering for an earthy flavor and aroma.Β
Curd: To tenderise the cauliflower, help the marinade stick, and add a slight tanginess to the dish. Can be subbed with unflavored Greek yogurt.
All purpose flour: Or maida. To make the gobi really crispy and airy.Β
Oil: Any neutral-flavored oil like peanut, sunflower, vegetable, etc.Β
Green chilli: For spice and heat authentic to Indo-Chinese cooking. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.Β
Frequently Asked QuestionsΒ
Why isnβt my cauliflower crispy?
Too much moisture is usually the culprit. Make sure the cauliflower is well drained after blanching, use a thick batter and donβt overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating to prevent the batter from becoming watery.
How do I know when the cauliflower is done?
The coating should be cooked through and golden, while the cauliflower should be tender with crisp edges. The final 200Β°C air fry gives it its signature crunch.
Richaβs Top Tips
Donβt skip blanching. A quick 30-second blanch helps clean the cauliflower, softens it slightly, and ensures a more even cook. Be sure to rinse it with cold water immediately so it doesnβt continue cooking.
Drain the cauliflower well. Any excess moisture will thin out the batter and prevent it from sticking properly. Pat the florets dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel if needed.
Add water gradually. The batter should lightly coat each floret instead of being runny. You may not need the full tablespoon depending on how much moisture is left on the cauliflower.
Leave space in the air fryer basket. Arrange the florets in a single layer with a little gap between each one so the hot air can circulate and crisp them evenly.
Brush with oil between batches. A light brushing of oil during air frying helps the coating cook evenly and gives the cauliflower a beautifully crisp exterior.
Stir fry on high heat. This high temperature is what helps retain that crispiness and prevents soggy, steamed cauliflower.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftover Gobi 65 in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 180Β°C for 4-5 minutes until hot and crispy again. You can also reheat it in a hot pan for a few minutes.
Avoid microwaving: The coating tends to soften and lose its crisp texture.
Not freezer-friendly: I recommend enjoying this recipe fresh as the coating can become soft after freezing and thawing.
Serving Ideas
Serve hot with sliced onions and lemon wedges for a classic restaurant-style feel.
Add it to wraps or rolls with onions and mint chutney for a quick lunch.
Enjoy with a chilled soft drink or masala soda for the perfect party snack.
Customisation Ideas
Make it spicier: Increase the green chillies or add a pinch of hot chilli powder while stir frying.
Add vegetables: Toss in sliced onions, bell peppers or spring onions during the final stir fry for added texture.
Make it extra crispy: Sprinkle a little extra cornflour into the batter if it feels too loose.
Skip the final stir fry: The air-fried or fried cauliflower tastes delicious on its own with a dipping sauce if youβre short on time.
Experiment with flavours: Finish with crushed black pepper, toasted sesame seeds or chopped coriander for a slightly different twist.
Whether youβre looking for an easy party starter, a teatime snack or just a fun new way to enjoy cauliflower, this Air Fryer Gobi 65 is always a good idea. Itβs spicy, crispy, packed with flavour and much lighter than the traditional deep-fried version. Once you try it, I bet it will become your new favorite way to make gobi!
If you make this recipe, DM me your pictures or tag me in stories over on my IG @my_foodstory β€οΈ
This Indo-Chinese classic Gobi 65 features crispy, spicy cauliflower. Since this version is made in the air fryer, it's lighter but just as delicious and crispy.
300gramscauliflower floretsapprox. 3 cups, cut into 1 inch size florets
1 Β½teaspoonsginger garlic paste
β teaspoonturmeric powder
1tablespoon+ ΒΎ teaspoon kashmiri chilli powder
ΒΎteaspooncoriander powder
ΒΌteaspooncumin powder
ΒΎteaspoonsalt
ΒΎteaspoonsugar
2sprigs curry leavesfinely chopped
2 ΒΌtablespoonscurds / yoghurtwhisked
3tablespoonsmaida
1 Β½tablespoonscorn flour
1 Β½teaspoonsgroundnut oil or any neutral cooking oil
1tablespoonwater
Other
2tablespoonsgroundnut oil or any neutral cooking oildivided
1teaspoonfinely chopped garlic
1teaspoonfinely chopped ginger
2green chillieshalved
Β½teaspoonkashmiri chilli powder
ΒΌteaspoonfennel powder
2sprigs curry leaves
Instructions
Blanching cauliflower
Add cauliflower florets & salt to boiling water, mix for 30 seconds and drain them immediately. Do not keep longer. Rinse them with cold water & drain again. Set aside. See note 1
Marinating cauliflower
Take blanched cauliflower florets in a wide bowl or deep plate. Add all ingredients given for marination except water and combine well with your hands. Add water, 1 teaspoon at a time and combine well. Mix with your hands to make sure the batter coats the cauliflower well.
Air frying cauliflower
Pre-heat airfryer at 180C and brush the basket with oil. Place the marinated cauliflower florets with some gap between each other, brush some oil and air fry at 180C for 10 minutes. Brush oil and air fry at 180C for 8-10 minutes till the masala is cooked well. Brush with a few drops of oil and air fry at 200C for 2-3 minutes till they turn golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate once they cool a bit.
OR
Deep frying cauliflower
Heat ΒΌ cup of oil in a deep pan or kadai and once itβs medium hot, drop the marinated florets into the oil & fry on medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until they turn golden and crisp. Do not over crowd the pan as it does not fry uniformly. Fry the cauliflower in batches.
Gobhi 65 fry
Heat oil in a kadai or pan, add garlic, ginger and green chillies and fry lightly over medium flame. Once fragrant, add curry leaves and saute for a minute. Add kashmiri chilli powder, saunf powder and saute. Add fried cauliflower and stir fry on high heat for a minute. Serve.
Video
Notes
Cauliflower is blanched exactly for 30 seconds to make it slightly tender but do not cook or leave in the boiling water for longer than 30 seconds. Over blanched cauliflower does not work for the recipe.
This Kung Pao Chicken is spicy, sour, sweet and salty and everything we love about Indo-Chinese food! Itβs easy, comes together quickly, has the same takeout style flavor, and makes for the best weeknight meal.
If thereβs one takeaway dish I never get tired of, itβs Kung Pao Chicken. I love how it comes together in under an hour with simple pantry ingredients, yet tastes like something youβd order from your favourite Chinese restaurant. Itβs saucy, packed with flavour, and one of those recipes that disappears from the dinner table every single time. We are talking BIG flavours here!
In the authentic Chinese version, Kung Pao or Kung Bo is usually a dry stir fry served as an appetiser or accompaniment.Β But we made an Indianised version, so itβs got more sauce, mushrooms and peanuts. I promise, itβs just as good!
Red Chilli Paste: Dry red chilli paste is just what this kung pao stir fry needs for a hit of spice. Itβs a simple blend of soaked dry red chillies and water. Iβve used the seeds of the chillies in the sauce for extra heat. If you want to reduce the heat level, just remove the seeds of the chillies before blending.
Kung Pao Sauce: This Chinese spicy chicken has a spicy sweet salty gravy which is dangerously addictive. The sauce is a perfect balance of soy sauce, vinegar, hot sauce, ketchup, sesame oil and lemon juice.
Dried Red Chillies β For an extra spicy, smoky hit.
Sichuan Peppercorns: These keep you coming back for more!
Chicken: Boneless thigh pieces stay juicy and tender through the high cooking temperatures of Indo-Chinese cooking.
Corn flour: Used in the marinade as well as the sauce. It helps to make crisp up the chicken pieces as well thicken the sauce and lend a glossy sheen.
Veggies: Mushrooms and onions for texture and flavor
Aromatics: Finely chopped ginger and garlic
Peanuts: Roasted for extra texture and a lovely nutty flavor. You can replace peanuts with cashews for a slightly different flavor.
Spring onion greens: Used as garnish for freshness
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kung pao chicken taste like?
Kung pao chicken is mildly sweet, sour, savory, and has a signature spicy kick from Sichuan peppercorns. Basically, itβs like a party in your mouth and totally addictive!
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes. Chicken breast works well, but it cooks faster and can dry out more easily. Keep an eye on the cooking time and avoid overcooking.
Why is baking soda added to the marinade?
A small amount of baking soda helps tenderise the chicken, giving it the soft, velvety texture thatβs common in restaurant-style stir-fries.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes. Bell peppers, broccoli, baby corn, zucchini and snap peas all work well. Stir-fry them on high heat so they stay crisp.
Richaβs Top Tips
Adjust the spice to suit your tolerance. Iβve made this kung pow chicken extra spicy coz thatβs how I roll, but you can adjust spice levels according to your preference!
Donβt skip the marinade. Even 30 minutes makes a noticeable difference. The baking soda helps tenderise the chicken, while the cornflour creates a light coating that gives the sauce something to cling to.
Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces. This ensures everything cooks at the same rate, which is very important for the quick cook times of Indo-Chinese cuisine.
Fry the chicken in batches. If youβre making a large batch, then itβs best to cook the chicken in smaller batches. Overcrowding the wok lowers the oil temperature, causing the chicken to steam instead of turning golden.
Keep the heat high while stir-frying. High heat cooks the vegetables quickly so they stay crisp and helps the sauce reduce into a glossy coating instead of becoming watery.
Have everything prepped before you start. Everything moves really quickly once you start cooking. So keeping everything ready before you start ensures a smoother cooking process.
Make it vegetarian or vegan by swapping chicken with paneer or tofu respectively. You can check out my kung pao tofu recipe here.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a hot pan for a few minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring halfway through.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The mushrooms will soften slightly after freezing, but the flavour will still be great.
Make ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Store both separately in the refrigerator and stir-fry just before serving.
Serving Ideas for Kung Pao Chicken
Steamed jasmine rice: The classic pairing. The fluffy rice soaks up all the delicious sauce and balances the bold flavours of the stir-fry. You can also serve with plain steamed rice for an equally delicious meal.
Lettuce wraps: Spoon the chicken into crisp iceberg or butter lettuce leaves for a lighter meal or appetiser.
Garnish Kung Pao Chicken with chopped spring onions and serve with steamed rice or noodles!
This kung pao chicken recipe is so easy, delicious, and addictive that Iβll be you wonβt be able to stop making it. We make it nearly every other week, and weβre still not bored. Itβs quick, flavour-packed, and one of the BEST Indo-Chinese dishes you can make at home.
If you try this recipe, DM me pictures over on my IG or tag me in your stories at @my_foodstory.
This Kung Pao Chicken recipe has big, bold flavours from chillies added three ways. There's lots of sauce so that the rice can soak up some of that spice and this can turn into a main dish.
Heat oil in a wok or kadai. Once the oil is hot, add chicken pieces and fry for 3 β 4 minutes, turning once or twice till golden brown. Do not over crowd the wok as the chicken pieces tend to stick together. Fry them in batches and set aside.
3 tablespoons sunflower oil or any neutral flavoured oil
To the same wok, add onion petals, red chillies and saute on high for a few seconds till fragrant. Add garlic, ginger and saute on high for a few seconds, add mushrooms and stir fry on high heat for 1-2 minutes and add the fried chicken. Toss for 2 minutes till the chicken absorbs the flavours. Add the sauce, white pepper and toss well on high heat till the sauce coats the chicken. Stir fry for a minute or two and take off the heat. Top with spring onions and serve.
10 dried red chillies, 1 large onion, 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic, 2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger, 10 mushrooms, ΒΌ cup roasted peanuts, ΒΎ teaspoon white pepper powder, ΒΌ cup cut spring onion greens
Video
Notes
Keep all ingredients chopped and ready before starting the stir fry process as it has to happen quickly and on high heat.
To make onion petals cut onions into 3/4 inch wide slices, separate each layer of onion to form petals.
Boneless chicken thighs are used in the recipe as they are juicy and tender
Sesame Chicken is a popular Chinese dish that is usually deep fried and tossed in a sweet sticky sesame sauce. This is a healthy version of the classic dish that doesn't involve any deep frying, but still the chicken tastes so juicy and flavourful. This sesame chicken pairs well with steamed rice and vegetables.Β Sesame...
Veg rice vermicelli noodles is a simple and delicious stir fry recipe made with rice vermicelli, vegetables, bean sprouts, chillies, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar. This is a quick and wholesome dish that can be made in less than 30 minutes. It is perfect for busy days, a quick lunch or dinner option.Β Vegetarian...
Dragon Prawns also known as Dragon shrimp is a popular Indo Chinese recipe. Prawns is dipped in a batter and fried till super crispy and crunchy. The crispy prawns is tossed in a chilli sauce that has fried cashews, garlic which makes it unique. This spicy dragon prawns taste amazing with fried rice or noodles.Β ...
If you think tofu is boring, these creamy chilli tofu noodles are about to change your mind. Silky tofu sauce with a crispy, umami-packed tofu crumble on top makes this one of the most satisfying noodle bowls Iβve ever made at home.
We eat these creamy chilli tofu noodles so often at home that Iβve lost count. Theyβre warm, comforting, and have this incredible depth of flavour from the shiitake mushrooms and homemade chilli oil. And because we make both the sauce and the crumble from tofu, every serving is protein-rich, something thatβs not very common with noodle dishes.
The whole thing takes about 30 minutes and uses ingredients that are easy to find. This is easily one of our favorite weeknight noodle bowls, and itβs usually on rotation with peanut butter ramen and chilli chicken noodles.
Ingredients for Creamy Chilli Tofu Noodles
Tofu: Use firm tofu for best results. It holds up well both when blended into a sauce and when crumbled and fried.
Shiitake Mushrooms: Dried, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, and finely chopped.
Walnuts: Roughly chopped, for crunch and richness in the crumble.
Crumble Marinade: Oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, vinegar, garam masala, grated garlic, and grated ginger.
Tofu Sauce: Peanut butter, garlic, salt, and water blended with tofu.
Noodles: Any thick noodle works well here. Cook as per package instructions.
Chilli Oil: For drizzling on top before serving.
Spring Onions: Whites and greens, separated.
Oil: Any neutral cooking oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without oyster sauce?
Yes. Use a tablespoon of soy sauce mixed with half a teaspoon of sugar as a substitute. The flavour wonβt be identical but itβll still taste great. If youβre making this fully vegan, look for a vegetarian oyster sauce which is usually mushroom-based.
Can I use a different mushroom instead of shiitake?
You can use dried or fresh cremini, button, or oyster mushrooms. But shiitake brings a deeper umami flavour that other mushrooms donβt quite match. If using fresh mushrooms instead of dried, just chop them fine and fry a little longer to get the moisture out.
What kind of noodles work best for this recipe?
Any thick noodle works well. Udon, egg noodles, or even ramen noodles are all good options. Avoid very thin noodles like vermicelli as they get lost under the sauce and crumble.
How spicy are these chilli noodles?
The spice comes mainly from the chilli oil drizzled on top, so you have full control. Start with a teaspoon and add more if you want it hotter. Without the chilli oil, the noodles are savoury and creamy but not spicy at all.
Can I add more vegetables to the noodles?
Yes. Broccoli, bok choy, edamame, and baby corn all work well. Stir fry them quickly and add them on top with the crumble so they stay crunchy.
Richaβs Top Tips
Use firm tofu, not silken. Silken tofu is too soft and watery for both the sauce and the crumble. Firm tofu blends into a smooth sauce while still having enough structure to crumble and fry without falling apart.
Keep frying the crumble even when it looks mushy. It will turn mushy at first and thatβs completely normal. Keep going on low heat for 4-5 minutes and itβll turn golden and crispy. Thatβs where all the texture comes from.
Donβt overcook the noodles. They need to hold up against the sauce and crumble, so slightly undercooked is better than overdone. Drain them as soon as theyβre ready.
Assemble right before eating. The sauce, crumble, and noodles are best combined at the last minute. If they sit too long, the noodles absorb the sauce and lose that saucy, coated texture you want.
Storage Tips
In the fridge: Store the sauce, crumble, and noodles separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keeping them apart prevents the noodles from absorbing all the sauce and the crumble from going soft.
Freezing: Not recommended. The tofu sauce changes texture once frozen, and the noodles become mushy after thawing.
Reheating tip: Warm the noodles with a splash of water, heat the crumble on a hot pan to crisp it back up, and serve with fresh sauce. The sauce is best at room temperature or gently warmed, not hot.
Serving Ideas
These creamy chilli tofu noodles are a full meal in a bowl, but if you want to add something on the side:
With Vegetarian Gyoza Potstickers: Crispy gyoza alongside a creamy bowl of noodles is always a winning combination.
With Veg Spring Rolls: Light, crispy spring rolls are a great contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
With Asian Slaw: Something fresh and crunchy on the side balances the richness of the tofu sauce nicely.
With a fried egg on top: If youβre not keeping it vegan, a runny fried egg over the noodles adds another layer of richness and protein.
Customisation Ideas
Add more veggies: Broccoli, bok choy, edamame, or baby corn all work really well with the recipe. You can stir-fry them quickly and add them on top with the crumble so theyβre crunchy and fresh.
Make it non-veg: You can toss in shredded chicken or prawns for a very different flavour profile; the tofu sauce goes just as well with both options.Β
Swap the peanut butter: If you want a milder yet creamier taste, you can use cashew butter or almond butter for a slightly nuttier flavour.Β
Make it spicier: For a deeper, more layered spice, you can add in a teaspoon of gochujang or sriracha to the tofu sauce before blending.Β
Did You Know?
Tofu was invented over 2,000 years ago in China, and the most widely accepted story credits it to a happy accident. Legend says a Chinese cook accidentally curdled soy milk by adding nigari, a mineral-rich salt derived from seawater. The curds that formed were pressed together, and tofu was born. The process hasnβt changed much since. Every block of tofu you buy today is still essentially soy milk thatβs been curdled and pressed.Β
If youβve been looking for a plant-based meal that actually feels satisfying and comforting, this tofu noodles recipe is the one to try. The sauce is creamy, the crumble is crispy, and the chilli oil ties it all together. We make it all the time, and it hasnβt gotten old yet.
Tag me on Instagram @my_foodstory when you make it; I always love seeing these recipes in your kitchens.
Creamy, spicy, nutty, and full of umami, these Creamy Chilli Tofu Noodles are a must-try for Indo-Chinese lovers. It's loaded with flavor, easy to make, and endlessly customisable.
2shiitake mushrooms hydrated and finely choppedrefer note 1
5walnutsroughly chopped
1tablespoonoyster sauce
2teaspoonsdark soy sauce
1teaspoonvinegar
ΒΌteaspoongaram masala powder
1teaspoongrated garlic
1teaspoongrated ginger
For sauce
100grams tofuapprox. 1 cup
2tablespoonspeanut butter
2garlic cloveswhole
1pinchsalt
ΒΌcupwater
Other
225gramscooked noodlesapprox. 2 Β½ cups
1tablespooncooking oil
2tablespoonsfinely chopped spring onion whites
ΒΌcupfinely chopped spring onion greensdivided
1tablespoonchilli oil
Instructions
Marinating tofu
Take tofu in a bowl, add chopped shiitake mushrooms, walnuts and rest of the ingredients for the marination, give a good mix and marinate for 10 minutes.
Heat a wide pan with 1 tablespoon cooking oil, add spring onion whites and fry for a few seconds on high until fragrant, add the marinated tofu and fry on medium heat. Initially they will turn mushy but keep frying on low for 4-5 minutes till they turn golden and crispy. Add 2 tablespoons of spring onion greens and take off the heat.
1 tablespoon cooking oil, 2 tablespoons finely chopped spring onion whites, ΒΌ cup finely chopped spring onion greens
To serve
Take cooked noodles in a bowl, sprinkle a few drops of water and microwave for 30 seconds. add tofu sauce, top with tofu crumble, 2 tablespoons of spring onion greens, drizzle chilli oil and serve immediately.
1 tablespoon chilli oil
Video
Notes
To hydrate shiitake mushrooms, soak in hot water for 10 minutes.Β
Salt and Pepper Squid is a Chinese style dish that is popular all over China. It is a crispy fried calamari that is seasoned with freshly crushed salt and black pepper. You will be addicted to this dish even if you are a non seafood person. Make sure to enjoy this fried squid hot with...