• Plant-based mock chicken
• Onions (sliced)
• Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow, sliced)
• Green chilies (slit)
• Garlic (finely chopped)
• Ginger (finely chopped)
• Corn flour
• All-purpose flour
• Soy sauce
• Red chili paste
• Vinegar
• Salt & Pepper
• Oil (for frying)
• Spring onions (for garnish)

Health Benefits

• Rich in Plant-Based Protein – Made with mock meat or soy-based alternatives, providing a great source of protein for vegetarians.
• Heart-Friendly – Contains no cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy alternative to traditional chicken dishes.
• Good for Digestion – Ingredients like garlic, ginger, and bell peppers aid digestion and improve gut health.
• Low in Saturated Fat – Compared to real chicken, mock meat has lower saturated fat, promoting a balanced diet.
• Boosts Immunity – Rich in vitamins and minerals from the added vegetables, which help strengthen immunity.

History

Mock Chilli Chicken is a modern vegetarian adaptation of the famous Indo-Chinese Chilli Chicken, a dish that originated in India’s Chinese-influenced culinary scene. Indo-Chinese cuisine emerged in Kolkata in the early 20th century, when Chinese immigrants, mainly of Hakka origin, introduced their bold flavors and cooking techniques to Indian ingredients.

Originally, Chilli Chicken was created using deep-fried chicken pieces tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce with soy, garlic, and green chilies. However, as vegetarianism grew in popularity across India, chefs and home cooks started experimenting with meat substitutes to recreate the dish without using actual chicken.

The rise of mock meat alternatives, such as soy protein, seitan, and textured vegetable protein, played a crucial role in transforming traditional meat dishes into plant-based versions. Mock Chilli Chicken retains the essence of the original dish while catering to those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets. It became especially popular in restaurants offering Indo-Chinese cuisine, street food stalls, and health-conscious households.

Today, Mock Chilli Chicken is widely enjoyed as a crispy, flavorful, and protein-rich dish that brings together the best of Indian spices and Chinese-style cooking techniques. With the growing demand for plant-based foods, it continues to evolve with new variations, making it a favorite among vegetarians and flexitarians alike.