Best 5 Chinese Deep Fried Chicken Recipes

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Tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of Chinese Deep-Fried Chicken, a culinary masterpiece that embodies the essence of Chinese cuisine. This dish, often referred to as "zha ji" or "guo bao ji," is a symphony of crispy, succulent chicken enveloped in a tantalizing sweet and savory sauce. Originating from the Sichuan province of China, this delectable dish has captivated palates worldwide with its unique blend of textures and flavors.

Our comprehensive guide presents three enticing recipes that cater to diverse tastes and skill levels. The Classic Chinese Deep-Fried Chicken recipe takes you on an authentic journey, replicating the traditional flavors and techniques of Sichuan cuisine. For those seeking a healthier alternative, the Air Fryer Chinese Deep-Fried Chicken recipe utilizes an innovative cooking method to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior without the added oil. And for those with limited time, the Instant Pot Chinese Deep-Fried Chicken recipe offers a convenient and efficient way to enjoy this delectable dish in a fraction of the time.

Regardless of your culinary expertise or dietary preferences, our recipes provide a roadmap to creating an unforgettable Chinese Deep-Fried Chicken experience. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure, where the aroma of sizzling chicken, the vibrant colors of the sauce, and the symphony of flavors will transport you to the heart of China.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

FRIED CHICKEN WINGS, CHINESE TAKEOUT-STYLE



Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout-Style image

Chinese take-out fried chicken wings are the same as regular old fried chicken, right? Wrong. This fried chicken wings recipe is a special family recipe.

Provided by Bill

Categories     Chinese takeout

Time 2h20m

Number Of Ingredients 13

10 whole chicken wings ((washed and pat dry))
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 egg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
oil ((for frying))

Steps:

  • Combine chicken wings, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, salt, sugar, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil and egg in a large mixing bowl. Mix everything until the wings are well-coated. Next, add the cornstarch and all purpose flour and mix again until the wings are coated.
  • Let the wings marinate for 2 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight for best results. (If you refrigerate the wings, be sure to let them come to room temperature again before cooking).
  • After marinating, if it looks like there is liquid in the bowl, be sure to mix them thoroughly again. The wings should be well coated with a thin batter-like coating. If it still looks too watery, add a bit more cornstarch and flour.
  • Fill a medium pot about 2/3 of the way up with oil, and heat it to 325 degrees F.
  • Fry the wings in small batches for 5 minutes and remove to a sheet pan lined with paper towels. After all of the wings are fried, return them in batches to the oil and fry again for 3 minutes.
  • Drain on paper towels or a cooling rack, and serve with hot sauce!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 189 kcal, Carbohydrate 2 g, Protein 10 g, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 53 mg, Sodium 375 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN



Sweet and Sour Chicken image

Sweet and Sour Chicken is an American Chinese takeout favorite, made by batter-frying chicken and tossing it in a quick sweet and sour sauce.

Provided by Bill

Categories     Chicken

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 26

1/2 cup hot water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon ketchup
1/2 cup pineapple juice ((optional, reserved from canned pineapple))
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar ((or red wine vinegar))
12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
1-2 tablespoons water
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup ice water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil ((or canola oil, plus more for frying))
2/3 cup canned pineapple chunks ((optional))
1 tablespoon oil
1/4 cup red onion ((cut into 1-inch/2.5cm chunks))
1/4 cup red bell pepper ((cut into 1-inch/2.5cm chunks))
1/4 cup green bell pepper ((cut into 1-inch/2.5cm chunks))
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Steps:

  • Set aside ½ cup of pineapple juice from your can of pineapple, and reserve ⅔ cup of the pineapple chunks (if using). Set aside.
  • Combine the hot water, salt, sugar, and ketchup. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved, and then add the vinegar and pineapple juice (if using). If not using pineapple juice, replace with ½ cup water or chicken stock. Set aside.
  • Cut your chicken into uniform 1 inch chunks (for even cooking) and place into a bowl. Add the garlic and onion powders, sesame oil, white pepper and salt. Mix until all pieces are uniformly coated, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Any excess water should be fully absorbed by the chicken. If not, mix the chicken again and let it sit for another 5 minutes.
  • Mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl, and add 2/3 cup of ice water. Use a fork to mix until a batter is formed, and stir in 1 tablespoon of oil. Set aside.
  • The amount of oil you need depends on the size of the pot you will use. Using a larger pot uses more oil, but allows you to cook the chicken in fewer batches. Using a smaller pot uses less oil, but you'll have to fry more batches of chicken. We usually go for a smaller pot, so we have less leftover oil. Heat the oil in a small pot until it reaches 335°F/170°C.
  • Place 5 to 6 pieces of marinated chicken into the batter. Use a chopstick, fork, or your fingers to coat the chicken in the batter and place each piece slowly into the oil.
  • Use a slotted spoon to carefully turn the chicken so all sides are uniformly fried. Fry for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is a light golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and let any excess oil drain off before placing onto a rack or paper towel lined plate.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a wok over medium high heat, and add the red onion and peppers. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
  • Next, add the sweet and sour sauce you prepared earlier and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat so the sauce is simmering.
  • Combine the cornstarch and water to make a uniform slurry. While stirring the sweet and sour sauce, drizzle the slurry in gradually until the sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon (you may not need all of the slurry). Turn down the heat and give the sauce a quick taste--now is the time to add more salt, vinegar or sugar if desired.
  • Add the pineapple chunks (if using) and stir until warmed through. Now is the time to refry the chicken to make them nice and crispy. Heat the oil up to 335°F/170°C and fry the chicken in two batches for about 45 seconds each time. Then add the chicken pieces to your sauce, and gently toss with your wok spatula until the chicken is coated. Serve immediately!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 466 kcal, Carbohydrate 33 g, Protein 19 g, Fat 30 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Cholesterol 64 mg, Sodium 741 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 8 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CHINESE STYLE FRIED CHICKEN



Chinese Style Fried Chicken image

This is a great recipe for fried chicken to use in orange or lemon chicken. It's not super greasy and it tastes great even cold. Thanks Pops! Great with my orange chicken sauce, Recipe #381956.

Provided by birdie 3 andrea

Categories     Chicken

Time 25m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

6 chicken breasts (cut into inch pieces)
6 egg whites
1 1/2 cups soy sauce
2 cups flour
2 cups cornstarch
2 cups vegetable oil or 2 cups canola oil

Steps:

  • Cut chicken into inch pieces.
  • Whisk together egg whites and soy sauce.
  • Soak chicken in soy mixture for 20 minutes covered in the fridge.
  • Add 2 cups oil to wok or deep fryer.
  • Heat wok to 350°F.
  • Put cornstarch and flour into a reseal able plastic freezer bag.
  • Add chicken to bag a little at a time, shake until evenly coated. Add more of the 50/50 flour mixture as needed to finish the job.
  • Add chicken to wok.
  • Fry 15 seconds only. No browning yet!
  • Remove chicken and place aside on a cookie sheet or bowl lined with paper towels.
  • After all of the chicken has cooked for 15 seconds let cool for a few minutes.
  • Fry it an additional 15-20 seconds or until golden.
  • Always check meat. If it is pink it needs to be cooked longer.
  • Top with your favorite lemon or orange sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 949.8, Fat 65, SaturatedFat 10, Cholesterol 69.6, Sodium 3129.5, Carbohydrate 56.2, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 1.2, Protein 34.4

EASY, PERFECT CHINESE STYLE BATTER



Easy, perfect Chinese Style Batter image

This recipe is simple to make and works perfectly for Chinese style batter to make sweet and sour meats, almond chicken, etc. In the picture I was using cubed pork.

Provided by Amy H.

Categories     Poultry Appetizers

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 c all purpose flour
1 c cornstarch
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
2 1/2 c water
1 l cooking oil

Steps:

  • 1. Heat oil to 375 degrees
  • 2. Mix all ingredients except for oil in a medium sized mixing bowl.
  • 3. Add cubed meat, shrimp, vegetables, or whatever you wish to batter and fry. Coat well with batter.
  • 4. Fry in deep, hot, oil. Be careful not to over crowd the pan.

GENERAL TSAO'S CHICKEN II



General Tsao's Chicken II image

A genuinely mouthwatering dish with an Asian kick that will knock your chopsticks off! Don't be fooled by other General Tsao impostors: this is simply the best Chinese chicken you will ever have. With a flair of peanut oil, a streak of sesame, a dash of orange, and a sweet spot for hot, this is sure to be a favorite. Just don't forget to deep-fry twice! Serve with steamed broccoli and white rice.

Provided by ChefDaddy

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian     Chinese

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 21

4 cups vegetable oil for frying
1 egg
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 pinch white pepper
1 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons chopped green onion
1 clove garlic, minced
6 dried whole red chilies
1 strip orange zest
½ cup white sugar
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
3 tablespoons chicken broth
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
¼ cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons peanut oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch
¼ cup water

Steps:

  • Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Beat the egg in a mixing bowl. Add the chicken cubes; sprinkle with salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, and white pepper; mix well. Mix in 1 cup of cornstarch a little bit at a time until the chicken cubes are well coated.
  • In batches, carefully drop the chicken cubes into the hot oil one by one, cooking until they turns golden brown and begin to float, about 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and allow to cool as you fry the next batch. Once all of the chicken has been fried, refry the chicken, starting with the batch that was cooked first. Cook until the chicken turns deep golden brown, about 2 minutes more. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir in the green onion, garlic, whole chiles, and orange zest. Cook and stir a minute or two until the garlic has turned golden and the chiles brighten. Add 1/2 cup sugar, the ginger, chicken broth, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and peanut oil; bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes.
  • Dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch into the water, and stir into the boiling sauce. Return to a boil and cook until the sauce thickens and is no longer cloudy from the cornstarch, about 1 minute. Stir the chicken into the boiling sauce. Reduce heat to low and cook for a few minutes until the chicken absorbs some of the sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 633.5 calories, Carbohydrate 54.9 g, Cholesterol 101.1 mg, Fat 36.5 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 24.3 g, SaturatedFat 6.1 g, Sodium 1191.6 mg, Sugar 17.7 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality chicken. This will ensure that your fried chicken is juicy and flavorful.
  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This will help the chicken absorb the flavors of the marinade and make it more tender.
  • Use a light touch when coating the chicken in flour. You don't want to create a thick coating that will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
  • Fry the chicken in hot oil. This will help the chicken cook quickly and evenly.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and will result in soggy chicken.
  • Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through. You can check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the chicken retain its juices and will make it more tender.

Conclusion:

Chinese deep-fried chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or snack. It is a popular dish in many Chinese restaurants and can also be easily made at home. By following the tips in this article, you can make delicious Chinese deep-fried chicken that is sure to impress your friends and family.

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