Crispy Chicken Recipe: Delicious and Flavorful Sauce Included

Get ready to elevate your cooking game with this irresistible recipe for Crispy Chicken with Sauce! These Chinese chicken balls are the ultimate combination of crunchy perfection on the outside and juicy tenderness on the inside, paired with a tangy-sweet homemade sauce that will leave your taste buds craving more. The secret to achieving that authentic takeout-style crunch lies in the double-frying technique, ensuring your chicken stays crispy for longer.

I stumbled upon this recipe when I found myself craving the flavors of my favorite Chinese spot that was now too far away. After a few failed attempts, I finally cracked the code with the help of a friend’s dad who shared insider tips from his years running a Chinese restaurant. The result? A batch of chicken balls that rivaled the real deal, much to the delight of my family. The key is in the balance of textures and flavors, creating a dish that is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

The beauty of this Crispy Chicken with Sauce recipe lies not only in its delicious outcome but also in the joy of making it a family affair. From shaping the chicken balls to mastering the double-fry technique, this recipe is a fun and rewarding experience that brings loved ones together in the kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor every crispy bite dipped in that mouthwatering sauce – homemade goodness at its best!

Quick Benefits

• Crunchy and Juicy: Achieve the perfect balance of a crispy exterior with juicy chicken inside.
• Homemade Tangy-Sweet Sauce: Elevate the dish with a flavorful homemade sauce that perfectly complements the chicken balls.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for hosting gatherings, allowing you to prep in advance and bake just before guests arrive.
• Versatile Leftovers: Transform any excess chicken balls into creative new meals like breakfast scrambles or lunch salads.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Recipe: Delicious and Flavorful Sauce Included Recipe

• Authentic Takeout Flavor: Recreate the beloved takeout-style chicken balls at home, with a crunchy exterior and juicy chicken inside that will wow your taste buds.
• Homemade Tangy-Sweet Sauce: The tangy-sweet homemade sauce perfectly complements the crispy chicken, elevating the flavors and creating a delicious dipping experience.
• Family Favorite: A hit with the whole family, these chicken balls are sure to disappear quickly at any gathering, making them perfect for family meals or get-togethers.
• Versatile Leftovers: Transform any leftover chicken balls into new meals, such as breakfast scrambles, lunch salads, or a tasty addition to creamy grits, ensuring that no delicious bite goes to waste.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Ideal for hosting, you can prepare these chicken balls in advance by shaping and freezing them, making it a stress-free option for entertaining guests with the delicious aroma filling your house as they cook.

Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Recipe: Delicious and Flavorful Sauce Included

Main Items

• ½ cup cornstarch (save extra for coating)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or similar)
• 500g chicken breast, no skin or bones, diced into chunks

Marinade for Chicken

• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• A small amount of baking soda (½ tsp)
• A pinch of ground white pepper (¼ tsp)
• A drop of sesame oil (1 tsp)
• 1 tsp garlic paste or a bit of garlic powder (1 tsp)

Mix for Batter

• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water (keep it cold)
• ½ tsp fine salt

Tangy Sauce

• 3 tbsp sugar
• 4 tbsp white vinegar
• ½ cup water
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 4 tbsp ketchup
• A little salt (½ tsp)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste

Pro Tips for Crispy Chicken Recipe: Delicious and Flavorful Sauce Included

Pro Tip 1: To ensure your chicken balls turn out crispy and not soggy, make sure to properly drain excess moisture from the chicken before coating. Adding a spoon of plain breadcrumbs to the chicken mixture can also help bind everything together and prevent a mushy texture.

Pro Tip 2: For the perfect crispy texture, don’t skimp on the double-frying process. Even if your technique isn’t perfect, the taste will still be great. The key is in the frying, steaming, and frying again method, which ensures a crunchy exterior while fully cooking the chicken inside.

Pro Tip 3: Plan ahead when making this dish for a gathering by shaping and freezing the chicken balls in advance. You can coat them the day before and keep them in the fridge until ready to fry. For larger parties, make two batches and keep the second one warm in a low oven until needed. Leftover chicken balls can be repurposed into breakfast scrambles, lunch salads, or even added to creamy grits for a delicious next-day meal.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Recipe: Delicious and Flavorful Sauce Included

Step 1: Get the chicken ready to marinate

Cut the chicken breast into uniform pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Add sugar, salt, pepper, garlic, sesame oil, baking soda, and cornstarch for the marinade. Mix well and marinate for 15-30 minutes or longer.

Step 2: Cook up the sauce

Combine white vinegar, sugar, ketchup, tomato paste, water, cornstarch, and salt in a small pot. Stir until smooth, heat over low-medium heat, stirring continuously until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3: Make the coating mixture

Combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda in a mixing bowl. Gradually add cold water, stirring until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms. Adjust consistency by adding more water if needed.

Step 4: Dust and batter the chicken

Coat the chicken lightly with extra cornstarch, then dip each piece into the batter to ensure full coverage.

Step 5: Fry the chicken lightly first

Heat the oil to 350°F (180°C). Fry battered chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes until light-colored. Remove and let rest for 4-5 minutes. Fry chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature.

Step 6: Fry again to get them nice and crispy

Reheat the oil to 350°F (180°C) and fry the chicken until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels or a rack.

Step 7: Dish it out

Serve the crispy chicken pieces immediately with the zesty sauce for dipping on the side.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the crispy chicken balls with sauce, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain their texture and flavor. If you find yourself with extra chicken balls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure they are completely cooled before transferring them to the container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

If you plan to make the chicken balls ahead of time for a gathering, you can freeze them for longer storage. After shaping the chicken balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to use, you can fry them directly from frozen – just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through. This make-ahead method allows you to have a delicious appetizer prepared well in advance for any event or gathering.

To reheat the chicken balls, you can use an oven or air fryer to help them regain their crispy texture. Preheat the oven or air fryer, then place the chicken balls on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Heat them until they are heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving the chicken balls to reheat them, as this can make the coating soggy. By storing and reheating the chicken balls properly, you can enjoy their delicious flavors and textures even after they have been made in advance.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This swap will help achieve a similar crispy coating without gluten. Additionally, if you are looking to make the dish a bit healthier, you can opt to bake the chicken balls instead of frying them. Simply spray or brush the coated chicken balls with oil and bake in a preheated oven until crispy and cooked through.

If you are out of white vinegar for the sauce, you can easily swap it with rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tangy flavor profile. To make the sauce a bit spicier, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the mix. If you prefer a thicker sauce consistency, you can increase the amount of cornstarch slightly or add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water) towards the end of cooking to thicken it up. These simple substitutions can help tailor the dish to your preferences and dietary needs while maintaining its delicious flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crispy chicken balls with the tangy-sweet sauce on a bed of steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal that will surely impress your guests. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and texture. To add some freshness and crunch, serve with a side of quick-pickled cucumbers or a light cucumber salad tossed in a soy-ginger dressing.

For a fun appetizer idea, skewer the crispy chicken balls on toothpicks and serve them with the sauce as a dipping option at your next party. This bite-sized version is perfect for guests to enjoy while mingling. You can also create a DIY chicken ball bowl station by setting out bowls of the chicken balls, rice, sauce, and various toppings like shredded carrots, cilantro, and crushed peanuts for guests to customize their own delicious bowls.

FAQs for Crispy Chicken Recipe: Delicious and Flavorful Sauce Included

What is the key to achieving the perfect crispy coating on the chicken balls?

Double-frying is the key to achieving the perfect crispy coating on the chicken balls. Frying them twice ensures that the coating stays super crunchy outside while keeping the chicken inside juicy.

How can I avoid ending up with soggy chicken balls?

To avoid ending up with soggy chicken balls, make sure to manage the moisture well. Squeeze all the extra water out of the salted cabbage used in the filling, and use cornstarch to soak up any leftover moisture. Additionally, follow the frying, steaming, and frying process to ensure a crispy bottom while cooking the chicken balls through perfectly.

Can I make these chicken balls ahead of time for a gathering?

Yes, you can make these chicken balls ahead of time for a gathering. You can shape and freeze the balls up to a month before, coat them the day before, and keep them covered in the fridge. Simply bake them right before your guests show up. For larger gatherings, you can make two batches and keep the second one warm in a low oven until needed.

What can I do with any leftover chicken balls?

If you have leftover chicken balls, you can repurpose them into different meals. Break them up into your morning eggs for a Chinese-style breakfast scramble, cut them up and toss with some greens and spicy dressing for a quick lunch, or put them on top of some creamy grits for a flavorful breakfast the next day.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed making this crispy chicken with sauce recipe as much as I did! It’s truly a dish that brings the family together, whether you’re cooking with loved ones or enjoying it at a gathering. The double-frying technique may seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, you’ll achieve that perfect crunch that will have everyone coming back for more.

Remember, the key to success with this recipe lies in managing moisture and taking your time to get that crispy exterior and juicy interior just right. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your leftovers – they can easily be transformed into delicious new meals for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

So go ahead, give this crispy chicken with sauce recipe a try, and share the joy of homemade Chinese chicken balls with your friends and family. Happy cooking!