Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly golden, irresistibly crunchy chicken bites that are bursting with flavor in every single bite. These Chinese-inspired Crispy Salt and Pepper Chicken Bites are not just a meal—they're a culinary experience that will transport you straight to flavor heaven. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or satisfy a late-night craving, this recipe is your ultimate go-to solution for a mouthwatering dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
- Garlic, minced
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to
- 5 inches in size.
- In a mixing bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning. Allow it to marinate for about 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the coating. In a separate bowl, add cornstarch. This will give the chicken its crispy texture when fried.
- After the chicken has marinated, take each piece and coat it thoroughly in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You will need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep.
- Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of cornstarch into the oil; it should sizzle), carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking process for even browning.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the crispy chicken back into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Toss to combine, allowing the garlic to coat the chicken evenly.
- Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions over the chicken and toss again to distribute the onions throughout the dish.
- Serve the crispy salt and pepper chicken bites immediately while they are hot, accompanied by your choice of dipping sauce or over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness
- Use fresh, high-quality vegetable oil and maintain the right temperature (around 350-375°F) for perfect frying
- Don't overcrowd the pan - fry in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature
- Let the chicken rest on paper towels after frying to drain excess oil
- For extra flavor, experiment with adding a pinch of garlic powder or chili flakes to your cornstarch coating
- Serve immediately for the ultimate crispy texture - these bites are best enjoyed fresh and hot
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
