Chinese crispy chicken is a popular dish known for its crunchy texture and flavorful sauce. This recipe is easy to follow and will give you a delicious meal that you can enjoy with friends and family. In this article, we will go through every step in detail to make sure you can make Chinese crispy chicken at home.
Ingredients for Chinese Crispy Chicken
To make this crispy chicken, you will need a few essential ingredients. Here is a list of what you’ll need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500 grams of boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornflour (cornstarch)
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of pepper
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Water (to make the batter)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons of water (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 green onion (scallion), chopped (for garnish)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
Preparing the Chicken
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare the chicken properly. Follow these steps:
Cut the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. The pieces should be about 1.5 inches in size. This will help the chicken cook evenly and become crispy.
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together the egg, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, cornflour, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to this marinade and mix well. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. Marinating the chicken helps tenderize it and adds flavor.
Preparing the Coating
The crispy coating is what makes the chicken so delicious. Here’s how to make it:
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornflour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These ingredients will give the chicken a crispy texture when fried.
Make the Batter: Gradually add water to the dry ingredients to make a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the chicken pieces, but not too thick. Add water slowly, mixing constantly, until the desired consistency is reached.
Coating the Chicken
Now that the chicken is marinated and the batter is ready, it’s time to coat the chicken:
Dredge the Chicken: Take each piece of marinated chicken and dip it into the batter. Make sure it is coated evenly on all sides. You can use a spoon or your hands to help coat the chicken thoroughly.
Prepare for Frying: Once the chicken is coated, set it aside on a plate. Repeat this process until all the chicken pieces are coated in the batter.
Frying the Chicken
Frying the chicken properly is key to getting that perfect crispy texture. Here’s how you can fry the chicken:
Heat the Oil: Heat a deep pan or wok with enough vegetable oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces. The oil should be heated to around 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Be sure to flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Drain Excess Oil: Once the chicken is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This will help keep the chicken crispy.
Making the Sauce
The sauce for Chinese crispy chicken is sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy. Here’s how to prepare it:
Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, honey, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if using). Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely.
Cook the Sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sauce mixture to the pan. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce while stirring constantly. This will help thicken the sauce. Cook the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until it reaches a glossy consistency.
Combining the Chicken and Sauce
Now that both the chicken and the sauce are ready, it’s time to bring them together:
Add the Chicken to the Sauce: Carefully add the crispy chicken pieces to the simmering sauce. Toss the chicken gently to coat it evenly with the sauce. Make sure each piece of chicken is covered in the sweet and tangy sauce.
Serve: Once the chicken is well coated in the sauce, remove it from the heat. Transfer the Chinese crispy chicken to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions (scallions) for a fresh touch.
Tips for the Perfect Chinese Crispy Chicken
Here are a few tips to make sure your Chinese crispy chicken turns out perfectly:
Use Fresh Chicken: Fresh chicken will give you the best results. Avoid using frozen chicken, as it may affect the texture and flavor.
Heat the Oil Properly: If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn quickly. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Make sure the oil temperature is just right for frying.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the oil, resulting in soggy chicken.
Make the Sauce Ahead of Time: You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when you’re ready to make the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Chinese crispy chicken is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
Rice: Serve the crispy chicken over steamed white rice, fried rice, or brown rice for a complete meal.
Vegetables: Serve the chicken with stir-fried vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas, to add color and nutrients.
Noodles: You can also serve the crispy chicken with noodles, such as chow mein or lo mein, for a satisfying dish.
Conclusion
Making Chinese crispy chicken at home is easy and rewarding. With a few simple steps and ingredients, you can recreate this crispy, sweet, and savory dish in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy your homemade Chinese crispy chicken with your favorite sides and sauces for the perfect meal!
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