👨‍🍳 Chinese Fried Chicken Recipe | Quick & Tasty

Have you ever wanted to make crispy Chinese fried chicken at home? This guide has the perfect recipe for you. We will teach you the best way to cook easy chinese fried chicken. By double frying and using special items like Shaoxing wine, your homemade version will rival your favorite takeout. It’s far more than just fried chicken; it’s a fusion of Chinese flavors and methods that stand out.

Key Takeaways

• Marinate chicken wings for at least 2 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
• Fry the chicken wings at 325 degrees F in small batches to ensure even cooking.
• Adopt a double frying technique—5 minutes for the first fry and an additional 3 minutes for extra crispiness.
• Use more cornflour/cornstarch than flour in the batter to avoid softening, as flour contains gluten.
• Cold batter hitting hot oil ensures immediate crispiness, an essential trick in making homemade chinese fried chicken.

Introduction to Chinese Fried Chicken

Authentic Chinese fried chicken offers a journey into special flavors and time-honored spices. This dish is famous for its delicious taste and the care put into its making. It’s known among food lovers for its detailed method and full taste.

The Unique Flavor Profile

Authentic Chinese fried chicken is special because of the mix of spices and seasonings. They create a beautiful blend of flavors. Ingredients like crushed chili peppers, soy sauce, garlic, and toasted sesame oil add depth. They give the chicken spicy, savory, and sweet notes. This fusion makes Chinese fried chicken a favorite worldwide.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This recipe is amazing because of its ingredients and how it’s made. The Yuringi (유린기) Pepper Fried Chicken has earned a perfect score from 233 people. It uses 2 pounds of chicken thighs, seasoned with salt and black pepper. This ensures every bite is full of flavor. Sake and rice vinegar add a special tang to the scallion soy sauce, enhancing the taste of the chicken.

Making this dish only takes 30 minutes, great for busy days. It’s fried in neutral oil and dusted with potato or cornstarch. This keeps the chicken juicy inside and crispy outside. The quick prep, unique taste, and great texture make this Chinese fried chicken perfect for any event.

Ingredients for Authentic Chinese Fried Chicken

Knowing the right ingredients is key to make real Chinese fried chicken. This part shows you the main spices and seasoning. You’ll also discover what makes this dish truly special.

Essential Spices and Seasonings

The real trick to traditional Chinese fried chicken is in the essential spices and seasonings. This includes black pepper, white pepper, and garlic powder. They bring a full, tasty blend. The mix uses sugar, salt, and low sodium soy sauce to add more flavor.

• Black Pepper
• White Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Sugar
• Salt
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce
• Rice Vinegar (optional)
• Sesame Oil
• Cornstarch
• All-purpose Flour

Special Ingredients: Shaoxing Wine and More

For that authentic taste, you need special ingredients like Shaoxing wine. This wine not only makes the chicken tender, but it gives it a rich flavor. Fish sauce adds a deep, savory taste. Egg and cornstarch help make the chicken crispy.

1. Whole Chicken Wings
2. Soy Sauce
3. Fish Sauce
4. Sesame Oil
5. Eggs (1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk)
6. Cornstarch (2 tablespoons in the marinade and more for frying)
7. Peanut Oil for deep frying

This recipe for traditional Chinese fried chicken has a 4.9 out of 5 rating. It’s from 8 reviewers. It’s a great choice for anyone who loves to cook.

Preparing the Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

To make crispy Chinese fried chicken, getting it ready is key. Follow every step carefully. This ensures your chicken is tasty and crunchy.

Cleaning and Cutting the Chicken Wings

Start by cleaning the chicken wings well. Wash them with cold water. Then, dry them with paper towels. It helps the chicken get the right outside texture.

With the wings cleaned, place them on a board. Use a knife to cut them into drumettes, wingettes, and tips. You can keep or throw away the tips. Cutting them right means they’ll cook evenly.

Marination Process

The marinade is essential for great taste. Mix 2 parts soy sauce, 1 part Shaoxing wine, and 1 part cornstarch. For ½ lb of chicken, add 1 tablespoon of each to a bowl and mix. Add an egg, salt, and oil for extra flavor. Make sure the chicken is coated well.

Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 15-20 minutes. This gives the flavors time to soak in. If you’re short on time, 5 minutes can work too. This step is what makes the chicken taste amazing.

After marinating, your chicken is ready to be fried twice. The double fry ensures it’s crispy on the outside.

The Importance of Double Frying

The double frying technique is key to achieving perfect fried chicken. It means the chicken is fried twice. This way, you get that ideal crispy, golden-brown texture that’s hard to achieve with one fry.

First Fry: Initial Cooking

In the first part of double frying, the chicken is cooked at 350°F. It fries for a few minutes to cook it inside. Then, it’s important to let the chicken sit. This makes it ready for the next fry and helps the outer part become very crispy.

Second Fry: Achieving Crispiness

The second fry happens at a higher heat, about 375°F. This makes the chicken super crispy. The high heat changes the chicken’s structure a bit. This lets moisture out easily. So, you get a much crunchier chicken. And, it takes away any wetness that might make it soggy.

Korean fried chicken, a favorite in South Korea and the U.S., uses this method a lot. It’s known for its great crunchy texture, even with a sauce glaze. The batter uses potato starch which helps the chicken stay crunchy.

If you’re into making great fried chicken, the double frying method is a must. The right temperatures and timing are crucial. They turn simple fried chicken into something really special.

Choosing the Right Oil for Frying

Choosing the right oil is crucial when making the best Chinese fried chicken recipe. The oil’s smoke point affects your food’s taste and texture. It’s important to know how different oils work in the frying process.

For fried chicken, like wings, keep the oil at 350 to 375°F. Oils with high smoke points work best. Now, let’s compare oils based on their smoke points:

Avoid using sesame oil, flax-seed oil, butter, and shortening for high-heat frying. They have lower smoke points. For the best Chinese fried chicken recipe, choose oils like peanut oil, soybean oil, and vegetable oil. These give a great flavor and have high smoke points.

Your choice of oil really matters for your fried chicken’s crunch and taste. Pick the right oil to match your recipe. This way, your fried chicken will turn out delicious and crispy every single time.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Crispiness

Getting Chinese fried chicken crispy is all about a few key steps. You need to watch the oil temperature and mix the right amount of cornstarch and flour. These parts are crucial for a tasty and crispy outcome.

Maintaining Oil Temperature

Keeping the oil at the right heat is vital for crispiness. This step makes sure the chicken cooks uniformly and isn’t greasy. Start frying at 150°C and then heat it up to 180°C for the finish. Fry a little at a time to avoid the oil getting too cool.

Using Cornstarch and Flour in the Batter

Mixing cornstarch and flour in the batter is key to crispy chicken. Cornstarch lightens the texture while flour keeps it all together. For a blend, mix 2 cups of flour with paprika and cornstarch. Using cold soda water also helps by lowering gluten, making it even crispier.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Batter

The key to Chinese fried chicken is its batter. Getting that perfect crispy crust starts with the batter. This guide will help you create a coating that tastes great and feels just right.

Measuring Ingredients

To get crispy Chinese fried chicken, measuring accurately is key. Let’s look at what you need:

• 1 egg
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs

It’s important to measure each ingredient carefully for the best balance of flavors.

Mixing the Batter

Getting the batter mix right is crucial. Follow these steps to reach the perfect texture:

1. Combine dry ingredients: Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl.
2. Add wet ingredients: Break an egg into your mixture and blend everything together.
3. Incremental water addition: Slowly add water, whisking as you go, until your batter is thick.
4. Breadcrumb preparation: Get your breadcrumbs ready in another bowl for the coating.

Now you’re set to coat your chicken. Dip each piece in the batter first. Make sure it’s fully covered. Then, coat the battered chicken with breadcrumbs. Press down to stick the crumbs well.

One more tip: chill the coated chicken for 15 minutes before you fry it. This step makes the batter extra crispy.

Tips for Achieving the Best Results

To get the best Chinese fried chicken, follow some key steps carefully during preparation and cooking. We’ll share important tips for making sure your fried chicken turns out crispy and tasty.

The Role of Cold Batter

A great way to make the coating super crisp is by using the cold batter technique. Keep your batter, made from flour, cornstarch, and baking powder, cold. Just before you fry, take it out of the fridge. The cold batter meets the hot oil, starting an instant steam. This steam helps make your chicken’s coating light and crispy.

Ensuring Even Cooking

To cook your fried chicken evenly, keep the oil hot at 325°F or higher. If the oil gets cooler, your chicken won’t be as crispy. Always check the oil’s temperature. Make sure it doesn’t dip too low by adjusting the heat. Also, fry chicken in batches to prevent crowding. This way, each piece can cook fully and reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Soaking the chicken in a brine of milk (or water), salt, garlic, black peppercorns, and bay leaves for 2-3 hours or overnight can make it even tastier and juicier. This brining step ensures your fried chicken is flavorful and moist every time.

Serving Suggestions for Chinese Fried Chicken

Chinese fried chicken wings are best enjoyed with complimenting sides and dips. We offer exciting ideas to make your meal unforgettable.

Accompaniments: Rice and Vegetables

When serving Chinese fried chicken, consider pairing it with rice and veggies. Here are some top picks:

• Roast Pork Fried Rice: The savory notes of roast pork perfectly complement the crispy chicken wings.
• Vegetable Fried Rice: Adding mixed vegetables provides a balance of flavors and a healthy touch.
• Plain White Rice: Simplicity at its best, plain white rice allows the rich flavors of the chicken wings to shine.

Another tasty option is Chicken Fried Rice (鸡肉炒饭). It has chicken, day-old rice, green onions, and frozen veggies.

Sauces and Dips

Don’t forget the sauces and dips for your Chinese fried chicken. The right one can take your meal to another level:

1. Soy Sauce: A classic accompaniment, soy sauce adds a salty depth to the crispy chicken wings.
2. Oyster Sauce: A rich and savory option, this sauce pairs well with any fried chicken dish.
3. Sweet Chili Sauce: For those who enjoy a balance of spicy and sweet, this sauce is a perfect match.
4. Peanut Sauce: This offers a creamy and nutty flavor that goes exceptionally well with crispy chicken.

Try these tips to enhance your Chinese fried chicken serving. Mix and match to discover your favorite combinations of sides and sauces.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Fried Chicken

It’s key to keep leftover Chinese fried chicken fresh. Make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before storing it. Put it in an airtight container and eat it within three days to keep it tasty.

There are many ways to reheat fried chicken. The main aim is to keep it crispy and flavorful.

• Oven Reheating: Turn your oven to 400°F (205°C). Plop the chicken on a baking sheet and cook for 15-20 minutes. It should be 165°F inside to be safe.
• Microwave Reheating: For quickness, use the microwave. Warm the chicken in short intervals, flipping it over to not make it soggy.
• Air Fryer Reheating: If you’ve got an air fryer, set it to 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes, remembering to turn it once.
• Toaster Oven Reheating: To avoid sogginess, this can work. Dab any wetness off with paper towels and heat it at 375°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Frying Pan or Skillet: Use this if you have no other choice. Sizzle the chicken for 5-7 minutes with some oil, stirring it a lot. Just know it may get a bit greasy.

Getting the moisture right is crucial when heating up chicken. Be sure it’s at least 165°F inside to be safe.

Using these methods can make your leftover fried chicken delicious again. It keeps the taste and texture just as good.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Perfecting Chinese fried chicken means steering clear of common errors. Avoid these pitfalls for tasty, crispy chicken every time.

Overcrowding the Fryer

Overcrowding the fryer is a big mistake when making fried chicken. It leads to chicken pieces cooked unevenly. It’s better to fry in smaller batches. This way, every piece gets enough heat.

Keeping the oil at an ideal temperature helps. It should start at 360°F and stay between 300°F and 325°F. This ensures the chicken cooks inside without the outside getting too crispy.

Inadequate Marination Time

Marinating chicken enough is crucial. Skipping this step makes chicken less tasty. Using the right amount of salt and water in the brine, and letting the chicken soak for 8 hours, makes the meat juicy and full of flavor.

Honey and other sweet sauces can make the flavors even better. You can find some great recipes, like this crispy Chinese honey chicken. For more advice on avoiding mistakes in fried chicken, check out this guide.

Variations of Chinese Fried Chicken

Chinese fried chicken has many twists on the traditional recipe. You can make it spicy or sweet to fit what you like. To do this, you just change a bit of the ingredients and how you cook it.

Spicy Variations

Love spicy food? There are many ways to make Chinese fried chicken spicier. You can add more black or white pepper. Also, you can put in chili powder or fresh chili flakes in the marinade. Or, serve it with a spicy dipping sauce.

Make sure to let the chicken sit in the spicy mix for at least 2 hours at room temperature. This lets the flavors really get into the chicken.

Key Ingredients to Add for Spiciness:

• Chili Powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh Chili Flakes – 1/2 teaspoon
• Extra Black Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon

Honey and Sweet Variations

If you like sweet food, try honey sweet chicken. You can mix honey into the marinade. Or, put it on top after frying the chicken. It makes a tasty sweet and sticky glaze.

Adding soy sauce and sesame oil with the honey gives it a nice balance. After the first fry, put on the honey glaze. Then, fry it again at 325°F. This makes the chicken crispy outside and sticky sweet inside.

Key Ingredients for Sweetness:

• Honey – 3 tablespoons
• Soy Sauce – 1 tablespoon
• Sesame Oil – 1/2 teaspoon

These varieties show how you can change up Chinese fried chicken. You can go for hot and spicy or choose the sweet taste of honey. Changing the flavors helps you learn more about cooking. It also makes every meal special and enjoyable.

Healthier Alternatives to Traditional Frying

For those watching their health, it’s good to look into tasty, yet healthy ways for Chinese fried chicken. Air frying and baking are top choices. They use less oil but still keep the chicken crispy and full of flavor.

Air Frying Method

Air frying Chinese dishes is catching on fast. It takes about 2-4 minutes to cook the chicken to a golden crisp. This makes it a fast and health-friendly alternative to deep frying. Even vegan fried chicken gets great reviews, with only a 7.35% disapproval rate. This method slashes calories, offering about 281 calories per serving, without losing any taste.

Baking Method

Baking Chinese chicken makes it crispy without loads of added oil. For example, baked chicken paired with broccoli helps manage sodium and fat. Plus, it ups the fiber and protein intake. You can add spices like garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for a tasty kick.

Opting for air frying or baking boosts your meal’s health benefits and taste. For more on healthy eating with these techniques, check out healthy Chinese food options.

The History and Cultural Significance of Chinese Fried Chicken

Chinese fried chicken has a deep history spanning thousands of years. It’s a vital part of Chinese food culture. For example, hulu chicken was first made in the Tang Dynasty’s Chang’an. But, at that time, it wasn’t common because animal fats were rare.

Today, Chinese fried chicken is enjoyed in many forms. The brand Zhengxin Chicken Steak has over 22,000 shops, more than KFC in China. This shows how much people love their fried chicken, with almost 600 new shops in April 202x despite tough times.

American fried chicken also has a place in China. KFC leads as the favorite fast-food chain, with over 7,300 outlets. Since 1987, it has been a popular choice. Popeyes has also started serving its chicken in China, showing how widely loved fried chicken is.

Korean pop culture has played a big part in fried chicken’s fame in China too. After the success of “My Love From the Star,” Korean fried chicken became a hit. Searching for chimek on Dianping shows lots of options in Shanghai. Chimek means ‘chicken and beer’ in Korean.

The love for fried chicken in China stays strong because it keeps evolving. It might include things like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Or, it could feature Szechuan cuisine’s special spices. This variety makes it a dish that everyone can enjoy.

The mix of ancient traditions and new ideas makes Chinese fried chicken special. It’s a dish that changes with the times but stays loved all over the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now, let’s tackle some popular questions people have about Chinese fried chicken. We’ll look at what chicken cuts work best, the top oils for frying, and how to save any leftovers.

Can I use Chicken Breast?

Using chicken breast is a solid choice for this dish. Just remember to cut it into similar-sized pieces. This ensures it cooks evenly. Chicken breasts are low in fat, meaning they crisp up quickly. They also soak up flavors really well, adding to the dish’s taste.

What Oil is Best for Frying?

The oil you pick makes a big difference. For Chinese fried chicken FAQ, go for oils that can handle high heat. Peanut oil is often recommended because it doesn’t add much taste and can take high temperatures. Canola and vegetable oils are good choices too. Aim for a frying temperature of 350 degrees F for that perfect crunch.

How Long Can Leftovers Last?

To make your fried chicken last, storage is key. If you keep it in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge. For longer periods, freeze it. First, put the chicken and the sauce on a sheet pan. Then move them to a container once they’re frozen. This way, your chicken won’t stick and stays tasty for up to 4 months.

Nutrition Information

Knowing what’s in your favorite foods helps you make smart eating choices. This chinese fried chicken nutrition recipe gives you all the details. It shows you the good and the not-so-good stuff so you can enjoy it wisely.

A serving of chinese fried chicken has about 365 calories. It also has 35% of the daily fat you should eat. There’s 104mg of cholesterol and 621mg of sodium.

Adding a healthy side like cauliflower rice makes this meal better for you. With 25g of protein, it’s quite fulfilling. Knowing about chinese fried chicken nutrition helps you make better food choices.

Conclusion

Our guide on Chinese fried chicken is more than a recipe. It’s a chance to dive into a treasured cooking style. With flavors from Chinese Five Spice to garlic and ginger, this dish really shines. You can make it step by step, perfect for all skill levels.

Using a special double fry method ensures the chicken is super crispy. This keeps the taste and moisture locked in. Key ingredients like Shaoxing wine and peanut oil make it taste authentic. The mix of cornstarch and flour gives that signature sun-gold crust, also seen in Korean fried chicken.

Why make Chinese fried chicken? For the taste adventure and fun of cooking. It’s great for a meal with friends or for a treat by yourself. This recipe is your chance to get it just right. So, dive in and enjoy making and eating this amazing chicken. Happy cooking!