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+ servings
Salt and Pepper Chicken

Crispy Salt and Pepper Chicken for the Ultimate Comfort Meal

This Crispy Salt and Pepper Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that delivers comfort with every crunchy bite, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Breast Cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 large Egg Beaten
  • 1 cup Cornstarch Can substitute with all-purpose flour
For the Marinade
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar Can replace with honey or coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Wine Can substitute with dry sherry or mirin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda Can omit if unavailable
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Use tamari for gluten-free
For Frying
  • 1 cup Vegetable Oil High smoke-point oil like canola or peanut
  • to taste Salt Adjust to preference
  • to taste Pepper Freshly cracked black pepper recommended
For Garnish
  • 2 stalks Green Onions Sliced, can substitute with chives

Equipment

  • Wok or large frying pan
  • Large bowl
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels

Method
 

Marinating the Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, salt, brown sugar, water, rice wine, baking soda, and soy sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Coating and Frying
  1. Crack an egg into a separate bowl and whisk until well combined.
  2. Drain excess marinade from the chicken and add to the beaten egg, coating thoroughly.
  3. Sprinkle cornstarch over the egg-coated chicken and toss until evenly coated.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. Add coated chicken pieces in batches to hot oil. Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and place on paper towel-lined plate.
  7. Once all chicken is fried, return to wok over low heat and toss with salt, pepper, and sliced green onions.
  8. Transfer to a serving platter and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, ensure the oil is hot before frying and do not overcrowd the pan while frying.

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