Description
Salt and Pepper Crispy Chicken is a must-try dish that brings bold flavors and a satisfying crunch to your dining table. This Chinese-inspired recipe features juicy chicken thighs coated with a crispy cornstarch shell, perfectly seasoned with a spicy salt and pepper mix. Ideal for gatherings or weeknight dinners, this dish combines easy preparation with impressive results. With customizable spice levels, you can make it as mild or fiery as you prefer. Serve it alongside steamed rice, fresh salads, or dipping sauces for an unforgettable meal that will delight your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 400g chicken thighs
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 onion
- 2 red Thai chilies
- 3 garlic cloves
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking apple vinegar
- 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp sea salt
Instructions
- Marinate chicken thighs in light soy sauce, vinegar, and grated garlic for 15 minutes.
- Toast Sichuan and black peppercorns until fragrant; grind them and mix with sea salt.
- Combine cornstarch and baking powder; coat marinated chicken pieces well.
- Heat oil in a wok to 180°C (350°F) and fry chicken in batches until golden brown.
- Sauté garlic, onion, chilies, and green onions in another pan; mix in fried chicken and seasoning.
- Serve hot on a platter garnished with additional green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor, experiment with different chili types or adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Frying in small batches ensures each piece remains crispy instead of steaming together.