Salt and Pepper Chicken is a classic Chinese dish that delivers on both flavor and texture. The chicken is marinated, double-fried for that extra crunch, and then tossed with aromatic vegetables and a flavorful salt and pepper seasoning. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special gathering. The combination of tender chicken with a crispy coating, alongside the bold flavors of garlic, pepper, and jalapeños, makes this dish irresistible. It’s easy to prepare and packed with punchy, savory flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients (Serves 3-4):
For the Chicken:
- 12 oz (340 g) chicken breast or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1/3 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp white pepper powder
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry
For the Batter:
- 1/3 cup corn starch
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 tbsp oil
For the Salt and Pepper Powder:
- 1/3 tsp salt
- 1/12 tsp sugar (a pinch)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
- 1/2 tsp white pepper powder
For the Aromatics:
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1.4 oz (40 g) onion, sliced
- 0.5 oz (15 g) bell pepper or jalapeño pepper, sliced
- 5 stalks of green onion (stem only), chopped
- 2 tsp oil (for stir-frying)
For Frying:
- Oil for deep frying
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preparation of Aromatics
- Begin by preparing the aromatics. Finely mince the garlic, slice the onions, and chop the green onion stems. Cut the bell pepper or jalapeño into thin slices. Set everything aside for later use.
Step 2: Marinating the Chicken
- Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with 1/3 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp white pepper powder, 2 tsp minced garlic, and 1 tbsp rice wine. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken, making it more flavorful when fried.
Step 3: Preparing the Salt and Pepper Powder
- In a small bowl, combine 1/3 tsp salt, 1/12 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper powder, and 1/2 tsp white pepper powder.
- Mix well and set aside. This seasoning will be used to coat the crispy chicken after frying.
Step 4: Preparing the Batter
- In a separate bowl, combine 1/3 cup corn starch, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, and 1/2 tsp baking soda.
- Gradually add 1/3 cup water and 1/2 tbsp oil, whisking until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the batter and stir to ensure they are evenly coated.
Step 5: First Frying the Chicken
- Heat enough oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully drop the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches. Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 6: Toasting the Salt and Pepper Powder
- In a dry pan over medium heat, add the prepared salt and pepper powder mixture.
- Toast for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning, until the spices become fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 7: Second Frying the Chicken
- To make the chicken extra crispy, fry it a second time. Heat the oil to the same temperature (350°F or 175°C) and fry the chicken again for an additional 1-2 minutes. This will give the chicken a superior crunch.
- Once fried, drain on paper towels and immediately toss the hot chicken in the toasted salt and pepper powder.
Step 8: Stir-Frying the Aromatics
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tsp of oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, sliced onion, bell pepper (or jalapeño), and chopped green onion stems. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, until the aromatics are softened and fragrant.
Step 9: Final Assembly
- Add the crispy chicken to the skillet with the stir-fried aromatics.
- Toss everything together to combine and ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the aromatics.
Step 10: Serve
- Once combined, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the chicken to a serving dish.
- Serve the Salt and Pepper Chicken hot with a side of rice or noodles. Garnish with extra green onions or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Tips:
- Double Frying: The key to achieving extra crispy chicken is the second round of frying. This ensures the batter stays crunchy, even after being tossed with the aromatics.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or jalapeños. You can also experiment with different vegetables like red bell peppers or snow peas.
- Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to coat the chicken but not too runny. If it’s too thin, add a little more corn starch; if it’s too thick, add a splash of water.
- Serve Immediately: For the crispiest results, serve the chicken immediately after tossing it with the aromatics. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
FAQs:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast? Yes! Chicken thighs will provide a juicier texture. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? While baking won’t give you the same crispy texture, you can bake the chicken in a 425°F (220°C) oven until golden and cooked through.
- Can I make the seasoning spicier? Absolutely! Increase the amount of black pepper or add red pepper flakes for more heat.
- What’s the best oil for frying? Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil, for frying the chicken.
Conclusion:
Crispy Salt and Pepper Chicken is a perfect fusion of textures and flavors—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory, aromatic goodness. The double frying method ensures that the chicken remains irresistibly crunchy, while the combination of salt, pepper, garlic, and aromatics adds layers of flavor. Whether it’s served as a main dish or as a snack, this Salt and Pepper Chicken is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!