Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Crispy Asian Chicken Bites are about to become your new obsession - imagine perfectly golden, crunchy exterior giving way to tender, flavor-packed chicken that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is your secret weapon to creating irresistible Asian-inspired cuisine in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare your frying station. In a shallow dish, add the cornstarch. This will be used to coat the chicken and create a crispy exterior.
- After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. One piece at a time, take the marinated chicken and dredge it in the cornstarch, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch and set the coated chicken aside on a plate.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. You will need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of cornstarch into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn the chicken pieces for even cooking.
- After frying, remove the chicken bites from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Once all the chicken is cooked, transfer the crispy chicken bites to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor and color.
- Serve the crispy Asian chicken bites hot, with your choice of dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce. Enjoy your delicious homemade dish!
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. Letting the chicken sit in the sauce for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Ensure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350-375°F) for perfect crispiness. Use a cooking thermometer if possible, or do the cornstarch test mentioned in the recipe.
- Batch Frying: Never overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure each piece gets crispy and golden.
- Cornstarch Coating Trick: Shake off excess cornstarch before frying to prevent clumping and achieve a light, crispy texture.
- Drain Excess Oil: Always let the chicken bites rest on paper towels to absorb extra oil, keeping them crisp and not greasy.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or create a quick dipping sauce to elevate the flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
