Chicken Manchurian Recipe: A Delicious Indo-Chinese Fusion Dish You’ll Crave!

Chicken Manchurian is a mouth-watering Indo-Chinese delicacy that has made its way into the hearts and kitchens of food lovers across the globe. With its perfectly balanced spicy, tangy, and savory flavor, this dish is a go-to favorite for anyone who enjoys bold flavors packed into a satisfying meal. Whether served as a snack, starter, or main course with fried rice or noodles, Chicken Manchurian never fails to impress.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the best Chicken Manchurian recipe, tips to perfect the dish, and everything else you need to know about making this restaurant-style favorite at home. 🥢

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Chicken Manchurian Recipe

✅ Quick & easy to prepare

✅ Perfect balance of flavors

✅ Restaurant-style taste at home

✅ Great for parties and weeknight dinners

✅ Customizable spice levels

📜 Origin of Chicken Manchurian

Though the name suggests a Chinese origin, Chicken Manchurian is an Indian-Chinese creation believed to be invented by Chinese restaurateurs in India. The fusion combines classic Chinese cooking techniques with Indian spices and flavors, creating something uniquely delicious.

This dish is typically made by batter-frying chicken pieces and tossing them in a flavorful Manchurian sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chili sauce, and spring onions.

🍗 Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s what you need to prepare this delicious Chicken Manchurian recipe:

For the Chicken Marinade:

500g boneless chicken (cut into small cubes)

2 tbsp cornflour

2 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida)

1 egg (optional for softness)

1 tsp black pepper

Salt to taste

1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

Oil for deep frying

For the Manchurian Sauce:

1 tbsp oil

1 tbsp finely chopped garlic

1 tbsp finely chopped ginger

2 green chilies, slit

1 onion, chopped into cubes

1 capsicum (bell pepper), chopped

2-3 spring onions (white and green parts separated)

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp red chili sauce

1 tbsp tomato ketchup

1 tsp vinegar

1 tsp sugar

1 tbsp cornflour slurry (1 tbsp cornflour + 2 tbsp water)

Salt & pepper to taste

Water as required

🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate and Fry the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with cornflour, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, black pepper, egg, and salt.

2. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.

3. Heat oil in a pan or wok for deep frying.

4. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy.

5. Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Manchurian Sauce

1. In a wok or large pan, heat 1 tbsp oil.

2. Add chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the chopped onions and capsicum. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes, keeping the vegetables slightly crunchy.

4. Add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, and sugar. Mix well.

5. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Pour in about 1/4 cup water and bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 3: Combine and Finish

1. Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce and toss well to coat evenly.

2. Add cornflour slurry to thicken the sauce. Stir until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the chicken.

3. Garnish with chopped green onions.

🍽️ How to Serve Chicken Manchurian

Chicken Manchurian is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with:

Fried Rice – Classic Indo-Chinese combo!

Hakka Noodles – For a full-flavored meal.

Steamed Rice – To soak up all that delicious sauce.

Flatbread or Naan – Unconventional, but delicious!

You can also serve it as an appetizer at parties with toothpicks or skewers!

🧂 Tips for the Perfect Chicken Manchurian

1. Cornflour is key – It gives the chicken that crispy coating. Don't skip it!

2. Don't overcook the vegetables – Keep the onions and capsicum slightly crunchy for better texture.

3. Use boneless chicken thighs – They’re juicier and more tender than breast pieces.

4. Balance is everything – Adjust chili sauce and ketchup to suit your spice and sweetness levels.

5. Double fry the chicken – For extra crispiness, fry the chicken once, let it cool, then fry again for a few seconds.

🍃 Variations You Can Try

Gravy Version: Add more water and thicken the sauce with extra slurry to serve it with rice.

Dry Version: Cook the sauce until it just coats the chicken pieces without any liquid.

Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with cauliflower (Gobi Manchurian) or paneer (Indian cottage cheese).

Air Fryer Chicken Manchurian: For a healthier version, air fry the marinated chicken pieces instead of deep frying.

🌱 Healthier Substitutions

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Go low sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce.

Skip the egg if you prefer an egg-free version.

Use grilled chicken instead of fried to reduce calories.

📦 How to Store Leftovers

Chicken Manchurian stores well for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. Reheat on a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid freezing as the texture may become soggy when thawed.

🔍 FAQs About Chicken Manchurian

Q: Can I make Chicken Manchurian without frying?

A: Yes! You can bake or air-fry the chicken for a healthier version, though it may not be as crispy.

Q: Is Chicken Manchurian very spicy?

A: You can adjust the spice level easily by reducing chili sauce and using mild green chilies.

Q: Can I use chicken with bones?

A: While possible, boneless chicken is preferred for ease of cooking and eating.

❤️ Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Chicken Manchurian is a favorite in Indian restaurants and homes alike. Its bold, spicy, and tangy profile combined with juicy chicken and crunchy vegetables make it a true comfort food. The best part? You can recreate the magic of your favorite Indo-Chinese restaurant at home in under an hour!

Whether you’re planning a special dinner or simply craving something different, this Chicken Manchurian recipe is your ticket to a delicious and satisfying meal.

Try this recipe and let your taste buds take a trip to flavor town! Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below. 👇

👉 Looking for more Indo-Chinese recipes? Check out:

Veg Hakka Noodles Recipe

Gobi Manchurian Dry

Chilli Paneer Gravy