There’s something incredibly comforting about crispy fried chicken, especially when it’s perfectly seasoned with just the right balance of salt and pepper. This dish is a favorite across many cultures, from Chinese takeout classics to street food stalls in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The combination of crunchy golden-brown coating and bold, simple seasoning makes it irresistible.
Salt and Pepper Crispy Chicken is a fantastic dish to serve as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course with a side of rice or vegetables. The secret to achieving that perfect crunch lies in the coating and the frying technique, and today, I’m going to walk you through every step to ensure you get that satisfying crispiness at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: The light, golden crust is ultra-crispy, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of salt, pepper, and aromatic spices gives this dish a delicious kick.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just simple pantry staples and a few fresh items.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it as a party snack, a game-day treat, or a quick family dinner, this recipe fits any situation.
- Better Than Takeout: Homemade always tastes fresher, and you can control the level of spice and salt to your preference.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 red chili, finely chopped (optional for spice)
How to Make Salt and Pepper Crispy Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes the pieces easy to pick up and enjoy. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel—this helps the marinade stick better and results in crispier fried chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, water, and a beaten egg. Mix well to coat every piece. The egg helps the cornstarch stick to the chicken, creating a crispy, airy texture when fried. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss the marinated chicken in the dry mixture, ensuring every piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess to prevent clumps when frying.
Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small pinch of cornstarch into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go.
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once all the chicken is fried, heat a clean pan with a little bit of oil. Toss in the chopped green onions and red chili (if using) and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the crispy chicken back into the pan and quickly toss everything together for a final boost of flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your crispy chicken to a serving plate and enjoy it while hot! Serve it as is or with a side of steamed rice, a simple salad, or even some dipping sauce like sweet chili or soy sauce for extra flavor.
Helpful Tips for the Best Salt and Pepper Chicken
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better and results in crispier fried chicken.
- Use Cornstarch for the Crispiest Texture: Cornstarch creates a delicate, crunchy coating, making it perfect for frying.
- Fry in Batches: Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in small batches for the best results.
- Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: If you want an even crunchier texture, fry the chicken once, let it cool for a minute, and fry it again for another 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste: If you love extra spice, add more black pepper or even a pinch of cayenne.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- You can replace chicken breast with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- If you want a healthier option, try air-frying instead of deep-frying. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- For an extra kick, sprinkle some additional white pepper and chili flakes on top before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! While chicken is the classic choice, you can use turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover crispy chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and coat it in cornstarch a few hours in advance. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to fry.
What dipping sauces go well with this dish?
Salt and Pepper Crispy Chicken pairs well with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce with a dash of vinegar, or a simple garlic aioli.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you might also enjoy these crispy and flavorful dishes:
Conclusion
Salt and Pepper Crispy Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that brings together crispy textures and bold seasonings. Whether you’re making it for a casual meal, a party appetizer, or a late-night snack, it’s sure to be a hit. With just a few basic ingredients and some frying magic, you can recreate this takeout favorite at home.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and give this crispy, savory delight a try—you won’t regret it! Happy cooking!
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Salt and Pepper Crispy Chicken
Description
There’s something incredibly comforting about crispy fried chicken, especially when it’s perfectly seasoned with just the right balance of salt and pepper. This dish is a favorite across many cultures, from Chinese takeout classics to street food stalls in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The combination of crunchy golden-brown coating and bold, simple seasoning makes it irresistible.
Salt and Pepper Crispy Chicken is a fantastic dish to serve as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course with a side of rice or vegetables. The secret to achieving that perfect crunch lies in the coating and the frying technique, and today, I’m going to walk you through every step to ensure you get that satisfying crispiness at home.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 red chili, finely chopped (optional for spice)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes the pieces easy to pick up and enjoy. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel—this helps the marinade stick better and results in crispier fried chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, water, and a beaten egg. Mix well to coat every piece. The egg helps the cornstarch stick to the chicken, creating a crispy, airy texture when fried. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss the marinated chicken in the dry mixture, ensuring every piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess to prevent clumps when frying.
Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small pinch of cornstarch into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go.
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once all the chicken is fried, heat a clean pan with a little bit of oil. Toss in the chopped green onions and red chili (if using) and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the crispy chicken back into the pan and quickly toss everything together for a final boost of flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your crispy chicken to a serving plate and enjoy it while hot! Serve it as is or with a side of steamed rice, a simple salad, or even some dipping sauce like sweet chili or soy sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can replace chicken breast with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- If you want a healthier option, try air-frying instead of deep-frying. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- For an extra kick, sprinkle some additional white pepper and chili flakes on top before serving.
