Are you ready to take your fried chicken game to the next level? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be diving into the world of crispy and delicious Chinese-style fried chicken recipes that will satisfy your cravings. From spicy Sichuan dishes to sweet and sour treats, we’ve got you covered with 18 mouth-watering recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
From classic General Tso’s Fried Chicken to more adventurous options like Kung Pao Fried Chicken Bites and Spicy Szechuan Fried Chicken Drumsticks, there’s something for everyone in this roundup. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or prefer a milder taste, these recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
In the following pages, we’ll be sharing the secrets behind each recipe, including the best techniques for achieving that perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior. So grab a plate, get ready to dig in, and let’s start cooking!
Sichuan Spicy Fried Chicken
Experience the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this addictive fried chicken recipe, perfectly balanced between spicy and savory.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together cornstarch, salt, and spices.
2. Add chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated.
3. Heat oil in a wok or deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
5. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.
7. Toss fried chicken with the sauce until well coated.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Honey Garlic Fried Chicken
Sweet and savory, this honey garlic fried chicken recipe is a twist on the classic comfort food. Crispy fried chicken meets sticky honey garlic glaze for a flavor combination that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry chicken for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
5. While the chicken is still warm, whisk together honey and garlic in a small bowl.
6. Brush the honey garlic glaze on the fried chicken and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes total, including prep time.
General Tso’s Fried Chicken
This recipe combines the crispy exterior of fried chicken with the bold flavors of General Tso’s sauce, creating a unique and delicious twist on traditional fried chicken.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– General Tso’s sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with General Tso’s sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Five-Spice Fried Chicken Wings
Elevate your chicken wing game with this aromatic and addictive recipe that combines the warmth of five-spice powder with crispy fried goodness.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken wings
– 1 tsp five-spice powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together five-spice powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add chicken wings to the spice mixture and toss until evenly coated.
4. Pour buttermilk into a separate large bowl. Dip each wing into the buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. Dredge wings in flour, shaking off excess.
6. Heat about 1/2-inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry wings in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes total cooking time.
Cantonese Salt and Pepper Fried Chicken
Cantonese Salt and Pepper Fried Chicken Recipe
Summary: This classic Cantonese dish is a staple of Hong Kong cuisine, featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a savory mixture of salt, pepper, and aromatics.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (wings, legs, thighs, breasts)
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add the chicken to the wok and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the Szechuan peppercorns, sea salt, and black pepper.
5. Toss the cooked chicken with the salt and pepper mixture. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Note: For an extra crispy exterior, chill the coated chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before frying.
Orange Glazed Fried Chicken
Elevate your fried chicken game with this sticky and aromatic orange glaze! This recipe combines the classic Southern favorite with a burst of citrusy flavor, making it perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp grated orange zest
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. While chicken is cooking, mix together orange marmalade, honey, soy sauce, and orange zest in a small bowl.
6. Remove chicken from oil and brush with the orange glaze.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Kung Pao Fried Chicken Bites
Savor the bold flavors of China’s Sichuan province with these crispy and spicy Kung Pao Fried Chicken Bites. Perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer, this recipe combines the classic flavors of chicken, peanuts, and chili peppers in a convenient bite-sized format.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Kung Pao sauce (or to taste)
– 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
2. Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F. Fry chicken for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain.
5. In a separate pan, heat Kung Pao sauce over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
6. Toss fried chicken with the Kung Pao sauce mixture and sprinkle with peanuts. Garnish with scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Black Pepper Fried Chicken
Elevate your fried chicken game with this flavorful and aromatic Black Pepper Fried Chicken recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken piece in the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Fried Chicken
Experience the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors with this crispy fried chicken recipe, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Sweet and Sour Sauce (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Dip floured chicken in buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Dredge chicken in flour mixture again, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Heat about 1/2-inch vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Fry chicken for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve with Sweet and Sour Sauce (see below).
Sweet and Sour Sauce:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 1 tsp cornstarch
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Garlic Ginger Fried Chicken Thighs
Elevate your fried chicken game with this aromatic recipe that combines the bold flavors of garlic and ginger.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together garlic, ginger, and buttermilk.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Fry the chicken thighs in hot oil (350°F) for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Crispy Sesame Fried Chicken
Elevate your fried chicken game with this easy-to-make Crispy Sesame Fried Chicken recipe, featuring a crunchy sesame seed coating and juicy, flavorful chicken.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Roll coated chicken pieces in sesame seeds, pressing gently to stick.
5. Heat 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chili Oil Fried Chicken
Elevate your fried chicken game with this spicy twist! This recipe combines the crispy exterior of fried chicken with the bold flavor of chili oil, creating a dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chili oil (see note)
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain.
7. Drizzle with chili oil and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken Strips
Add a burst of citrusy flavor to your favorite snack with this simple recipe for Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken Strips. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these strips are perfect for game day gatherings or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip each chicken strip into the egg and then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Dredge coated chicken strips in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken strips for 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes total.
Mapo Tofu Style Fried Chicken
Mapo Tofu Style Fried Chicken Recipe: A Szechuan Twist on Classic Fried Chicken
Elevate your fried chicken game with the bold and spicy flavors of Mapo Tofu, a classic Szechuan dish. This recipe combines crispy fried chicken with the savory and numbing sensations of Szechuan peppercorns and chili oil.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground Szechuan peppercorn
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 egg, beaten
– Chili oil and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, vegetable oil, garlic, Szechuan peppercorn, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and mix until coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat frying oil (350°F) in a deep skillet. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
4. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per batch.
5. Drain fried chicken on paper towels and garnish with chili oil and chopped scallions. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pineapple Fried Chicken
Pineapple Fried Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Twist on a Classic Recipe
Get ready to elevate your fried chicken game with this unique and mouthwatering recipe that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the crunch of crispy breading.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup crushed pineapple
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and crushed pineapple.
2. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Dip the breaded chicken pieces into the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Fry the chicken pieces in hot oil (350°F) for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Scallion Fried Chicken
Elevate your fried chicken game with this flavorful Scallion Fried Chicken recipe, featuring crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup buttermilk
– 1/4 cup scallion greens, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in flour mixture to coat. Place coated chicken on a plate or tray.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
6. In the same skillet, add chopped scallion greens and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Chinese BBQ Fried Chicken
Experience the bold flavors of China with this crispy and juicy fried chicken recipe, infused with a sweet and spicy Chinese BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Chinese BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken pieces for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain fried chicken on paper towels.
7. Toss fried chicken with Chinese BBQ sauce until coated.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes total, including frying time.
Spicy Szechuan Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Spicy Szechuan Fried Chicken Drumsticks: A flavorful twist on classic fried chicken, these drumsticks are infused with the bold and aromatic spices of Szechuan cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
4. Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Fry the drumsticks in batches for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Drain the drumsticks on paper towels and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes total.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the crispy, savory, and spicy world of Chinese fried chicken! In this article, we’re excited to share with you 18 mouth-watering recipes that will take your taste buds on a thrilling ride. From Sichuan Spicy Fried Chicken to Cantonese Salt and Pepper Fried Chicken, each recipe is carefully crafted to bring out the best flavors of China’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you like it sweet and sour or spicy hot, we’ve got you covered with these easy-to-follow recipes that are sure to become your new go-to favorites!