Ingredients:

For Marinating the Chicken:

• 350g chicken tenderloin (about 12 pieces)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp red pepper powder

For the Chicken Coating:

• 100g all-purpose flour
• 50g corn starch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Egg Mixture:

• 1 egg
• 50ml water

For the Spiced Chicken Sauce:

• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1/2 tbsp red pepper paste (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp starch syrup (or honey can be substituted)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp water

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken tenderloins under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Marinate: In a large bowl, mix together 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp red pepper powder. Toss the chicken tenderloins in this mixture until well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Coating

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 100g all-purpose flour, 50g corn starch, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
2. Prepare the egg wash: In another bowl, beat 1 egg and mix with 50ml water. This will help the flour coating stick to the chicken.

Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces. The oil should be heated to around 350°F (175°C) for deep frying.
2. Coat the chicken: Dip each marinated chicken piece into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Then coat the chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is evenly covered.
3. Fry the chicken: Gently lower the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry the chicken in batches for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot to ensure even frying.
4. Drain excess oil: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Sweet and Spicy Sauce

1. Make the sauce: In a saucepan, combine 3 tbsp ketchup, 1/2 tbsp red pepper paste, 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp starch syrup (or honey), 1 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tbsp minced garlic, and 2 tbsp water.
2. Simmer the sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the ingredients together. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes sticky, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the spiciness or sweetness according to your preference by adding more red pepper paste or syrup.

Step 5: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

1. Coat the chicken: Once the sauce is ready, add the crispy fried chicken pieces to the saucepan. Toss the chicken until each piece is thoroughly coated in the sweet and spicy sauce.
2. Serve: Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.

Cooking Tips:

• Crispier chicken: For an extra crispy coating, double-fry the chicken. After the first round of frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes and fry it again for an additional 2-3 minutes until super crispy.
• Oil temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying (around 350°F). If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Adjusting spice level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red pepper paste or omit the chili flakes. Alternatively, you can increase the spiciness by adding more pepper paste or chili powder to the sauce.
• Optional garnishes: For added flavor and texture, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions over the finished dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Sugar: 12g

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use chicken wings, drumsticks, or thighs instead of tenderloins. Just adjust the frying time based on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
2. Is there a way to make this dish healthier? To make this dish healthier, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy and golden.
3. Can I make the sauce less spicy? Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of red pepper paste or omit it entirely to make the sauce milder. You can also increase the sweetness by adding more honey or syrup.
4. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Conclusion:

This Spicy Crispy Fried Chicken is a delightful combination of crunchy chicken pieces and a rich, flavorful sauce that’s both sweet and spicy. It’s the perfect dish for spice lovers, and its addictive flavors make it a great option for family dinners, game nights, or parties. Whether you enjoy it on its own or pair it with a side of rice or vegetables, this dish is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the satisfying crunch and bold flavors!