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Best Chicken Manchurian Recipe for Home: Step-by-Step Guide

Best Chicken Manchurian Recipe for Home

The chicken manchurian recipe is a much-loved dish from Indo-Chinese cooking. It brings together tender chicken pieces in a rich, flavorful sauce. People all over India and beyond enjoy its unique taste. This dish is famous for its perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. It's a favorite at parties, family dinners, and restaurants. If you are looking for the best chicken manchurian recipe, you've come to the right place.

Making this easy chicken manchurian recipe at home lets you enjoy this restaurant favorite fresh. You can make it exactly how you like it. The key to great Manchurian is tender chicken that's juicy inside, not overly crispy. The sauce then coats the chicken, giving it a smooth, savory taste. This guide will show you how to make a dish that tastes just like your favorite restaurant's. It's a satisfying meal that's simple to prepare, even for those new to cooking.

Authentic Chicken Manchurian Recipe for Home

Making a great chicken manchurian recipe at home involves a few simple steps. First, you marinate boneless chicken pieces. This step is important to make the chicken soft and full of flavor. After marinating, the chicken gets a light coating. Then, you gently fry the chicken pieces. The goal is to cook them so they stay juicy inside, not too dry or super crispy.

Next, you prepare the special Manchurian sauce. This sauce is made with ginger, garlic, green chilies, and various sauces like soy sauce and tomato ketchup. You cook these ingredients together until the sauce is rich and thick. Finally, you add the fried chicken pieces to this amazing sauce. Toss them well so every piece is coated. This simple process creates a dish that's full of taste and a real treat. This easy recipe for chicken manchurian will quickly become a family favorite.

Prep Time 45 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 1 hr 15 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine: , ,
Courses: , ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 300 kcal
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

Enjoy authentic Chicken Manchurian at home with this simple recipe. Tender chicken is gently fried and tossed in a savory, tangy sauce, creating a delicious and classic Indo-Chinese dish ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients For Juicy Chicken Manchurian Recipe
    For Marinating the Chicken
  • 500 grams of boneless chicken (breast or thigh), cut into 1-inch cubes. (Boneless chicken pieces ensure tender and juicy Manchurian. (Hindi: चिकन))
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste. (Adds a strong aromatic base and helps in tenderizing the chicken. (Hindi: अदरक-लहसुन का पेस्ट))
  • 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper powder. (rovides a subtle, distinct peppery flavor without being overpowering. (Hindi: सफ़ेद मिर्च पाउडर))
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste). (Seasons the chicken from within during marination. (Hindi: नमक))
  • 2 tablespoons of cornflour (cornstarch). (Creates a light and even coating for frying, contributing to the texture. (Hindi: कॉर्नफ्लोर / अरारोट))
  • 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. (Added to the marination to help the cornflour spread evenly and coat the chicken better. (Hindi: खाना पकाने का तेल))
    • For Frying Chicken
  • 3½ cups of neutral cooking oil (vegetable, sunflower, or canola oil). (Essential for deep frying the chicken pieces to a golden brown. (Hindi: खाने का तेल))
  • 2 tablespoons of cooking oil (For sautéing the aromatics and vegetables to build the sauce base. (Hindi: खाना पकाने का तेल))
  • 1 tablespoon of ginger, finely chopped or minced. (A key aromatic that gives the sauce its signature pungent flavor. (Hindi: अदरक))
  • 1½ tablespoons of garlic, finely chopped or minced. (Provides a robust savory base for the Manchurian sauce. (Hindi: लहसुन))
  • 2 pieces of green chilies, slit or finely chopped (adjust to spice preference). (Adds heat and a fresh, spicy kick to the dish. (Hindi: हरी मिर्च))
  • 1/4 cup of spring onion whites, chopped. (Contributes a mild onion flavor and crisp texture to the sauce. (Hindi: हरा प्याज))
  • 1/2 medium sized onion, diced into 1-inch pieces. (Adds natural sweetness and body to the gravy. (Hindi: प्याज))
  • 1/2 medium bell pepper (capsicum, any color), diced into 1-inch pieces. (Provides color, a slight crunch, and a subtle sweet flavor. (Hindi: शिमला मिर्च))
  • 3 tablespoons of tomato ketchup. (Adds sweetness, tanginess, and helps thicken the sauce. (Hindi: टोमैटो केचप))
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional; use more soy sauce for vegetarian). (Enhances the savory depth and complexity of the sauce. (Hindi: ऑयस्टर सॉस))
  • 1 teaspoon of vinegar (rice or white vinegar). (Balances the flavors with a necessary touch of acidity. (Hindi: सिरका))
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper powder. (Adds a mild, warm peppery note to the sauce. (Hindi: काली मिर्च पाउडर))
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sugar (optional, if your ketchup isn't tangy enough). (Helps balance the sour and spicy elements in the sauce. (Hindi: चीनी))
  • 1 cup of water or chicken stock. (Forms the liquid base of the gravy; adjust for desired consistency. (Hindi: पानी या चिकन स्टॉक))
    • Preparing Cornflour Slurry (Gravy)
  • 1½ tablespoon of cornflour (cornstarch). (Used to thicken the sauce to the desired restaurant-style consistency. (Hindi: कॉर्नफ्लोर / अरारोट))
  • 1/4 cup water (To dissolve the cornflour, preventing lumps when added to the hot sauce. (Hindi: पानी))
    • For Garnishing (Optional)
  • 2 tablespoons of spring onion greens, chopped. (Adds fresh flavor, color, and a mild onion bite as a garnish. (Hindi: हरा प्याज))
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh coriander leaves, chopped. (Enhances the aroma and provides a fresh herbal finish. (Hindi: ताज़ा धनिया पत्ती))
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil. (Drizzled at the end for a distinct nutty aroma and added flavor. (Hindi: तिल का तेल))
Juicy Chicken Manchurian Recipe With Photos
    Follow these steps to make Chicken Manchurian at home
  1. 1
    Prepare the ChickenChicken Manchurian Recipe Step 1-1. Rinse 500 grams of boneless chicken cubes thoroughly under running cold water using a clean bowl.
    1. Take 500 grams of boneless chicken (breast or thigh pieces). Rinse them well under cold running water.
    2. Use kitchen towels to pat the chicken pieces completely dry. Removing moisture helps the marination stick better and ensures proper frying.
    3. Cut the dry chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes.
  2. 2
    First Chicken Marination (for Tenderizing)Chicken Manchurian Recipe Step 2-1. Place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl and add ginger-garlic paste, salt, and white pepper powder. Keep the other ingredients ready nearby.
    1. Place the cubed chicken into a large mixing bowl.
    2. Add 1 large whole egg, 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste, ½ teaspoon white pepper powder, and ½ teaspoon salt to the chicken.
    3. Using your hands, massage all these ingredients thoroughly into the chicken pieces. Make sure each piece is well coated.
    4. Cover the bowl with cling wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes. For best results and incredibly tender chicken, marinate overnight (8-12 hours). This allows flavors to go deep inside and softens the meat.
  3. 3
    Second Chicken Marination (for Coating)Chicken Manchurian Recipe Step 3-1. Add 2 tablespoons of cornflour and 1 teaspoon of cooking oil to the marinated chicken. Use a spoon to sprinkle the cornflour evenly and prepare for mixing.
    1. After the initial marination time, take the chicken out.
    2. Now, add 2 tablespoons of cornflour (cornstarch) and 1 teaspoon of cooking oil to the marinated chicken in the bowl.
    3. Mix everything well again, ensuring the cornflour and oil evenly coat each chicken piece. The oil helps the cornflour spread smoothly and form a thin, even layer.
  4. 4
    Prepare the Cornflour SlurryChicken Manchurian Recipe Step 4-1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1.5 tablespoons of cornflour and ¼ cup of water until smooth and lump-free. Set aside for later use.
    1. In a small separate bowl, combine 1.5 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch) with ¼ cup water.
    2. Whisk these two ingredients together until there are no lumps and you have a smooth slurry. Set this aside. This will be used to thicken the sauce later.
  5. 5
    Fry the Chicken CorrectlyChicken Manchurian Recipe Step 5-1. Drop the marinated chicken pieces into hot oil in a deep pan. Fry on medium-high heat without stirring for the first minute.
    1. Heat 3-4 cups neutral cooking oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough but not smoking.
    2. Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches of 6-8 pieces. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature and can make the chicken soggy.
    3. Important: Do not stir the chicken immediately after adding it to the oil. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to get its shape and allow the coating to set.
    4. After the coating sets, gently stir and fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per batch, or until golden brown on the outside. The chicken should be cooked partially, remaining slightly moist inside, as it will cook further in the sauce. It should not be overly crispy like chili chicken.
    5. Once fried, remove the chicken pieces using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat for all batches.

     

  6. 6
    Prepare the Sauce BaseChicken Manchurian Recipe Step 6-1. Sauté finely chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies in hot oil over high flame for 30 seconds without letting them burn.
    1. In a separate large wok or frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons cooking oil over high flame. Use the highest heat setting you have.
    2. Add 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger, 1.5 tablespoons finely chopped garlic, and 1-2 finely chopped green chilies. Stir-fry quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let them burn.
    3. Next, add ¼ cup chopped spring onion whites and ½ medium diced onion. Stir-fry on high heat for 1-2 minutes until the onion softens slightly but still has a bite.
    4. Add ½ medium diced bell pepper (capsicum) and continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes. The vegetables should remain crisp.
  7. 7
    Make the Manchurian SauceChicken Manchurian Recipe Step 7-1. Begin building the sauce by pouring tomato ketchup into the pan with sautéed vegetables. Keep vinegar, soy sauce, and oyster sauce ready nearby to add immediately after.
    1. Reduce the heat slightly to medium.
    2. Add 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce, 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (if using), 1 teaspoon vinegar, ½ teaspoon black pepper powder, and ½ teaspoon sugar (if desired for balance).
    3. Stir everything well and cook for 1 minute, allowing the sauces to combine.
    4. Pour in 1 cup water or chicken stock. Stir and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
  8. 8
    Thicken the SauceChicken Manchurian Recipe Step 8. Chicken Manchurian Recipe Step 8. Pour the prepared cornflour slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
    1. Give the cornflour slurry (prepared in Step 4) a quick stir, as the cornflour can settle at the bottom.
    2. Slowly pour the cornflour slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously.
    3. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. It should be glossy and able to coat the back of a spoon. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little more water.
  9. 9
    Combine Chicken and SauceChicken Manchurian Recipe Step 9-1. Gently drop the fried chicken pieces into the thickened Manchurian sauce using a spoon or spatula.
    1. Add all the fried chicken pieces (from Step 5) into the thickened sauce.
    2. Toss the chicken gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece is coated with the delicious Manchurian sauce.
    3. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on medium heat, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and finish cooking completely in the sauce. This is key for the "juicy and oozy" texture.
  10. 10
    Finish and GarnishChicken Manchurian Recipe Step 10-1. Sprinkle freshly chopped spring onion greens over the finished Chicken Manchurian while still in the pan.
    1. If using, drizzle ½ teaspoon sesame oil over the Manchurian for an added nutty aroma.
    2. Garnish generously with 2 tablespoons chopped spring onion greens and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander leaves.
    3. Serve hot!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size 200 grams/person (2-3 chicken pieces with gravy)

Amount Per Serving
Calories 300kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Cholesterol 80mg27%
Sodium 950mg40%
Potassium 300mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
Dietary Fiber 1.5g6%
Sugars 7g
Protein 30g60%
Vitamin A 75 IU
Vitamin C 8 mg
Calcium 30 mg
Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: chicken manchurian recipe, Indo-Chinese chicken, homemade manchurian, juicy chicken manchurian, manchurian gravy, easy chicken manchurian
Read it online: https://rooprecipes.com/food-recipe/chicken-manchurian-recipe-for-home/
Samantha Doe
Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.