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Salt and Pepper Crispy Chicken

Salt and Pepper Crispy Chicken

Crispy, juicy, and bursting with bold flavors, Salt and Pepper Crispy Chicken is a dish that will elevate any meal. This delightful recipe combines tender marinated chicken with a crunchy cornstarch coating, seasoned with a unique blend of Sichuan and black peppercorns for an exciting kick. Whether you’re hosting a weekend dinner or need a quick weeknight meal, this easy-to-follow recipe promises an unforgettable taste experience. Serve it as an appetizer or main course alongside rice, noodles, or fresh salads to please everyone at the table. With its simple preparation and incredible flavor profile, this crispy chicken will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 400g chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 red Thai chilies, chopped
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Oil for deep frying
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Chinese cooking apple vinegar
  • 1 tbsp grated garlic
  • 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
  • 1 tbsp black peppercorns
  • 1 tbsp sea salt

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken by combining it with light soy sauce, cooking apple vinegar, and grated garlic in a bowl. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
  2. Toast the Sichuan and black peppercorns in a dry pan until fragrant, then grind them into a powder mixed with sea salt.
  3. Coat the marinated chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch and baking powder.
  4. Deep fry the coated chicken pieces in hot oil until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes) in batches.
  5. Stir-fry aromatics like garlic, onion, and chilies in vegetable oil before adding the fried chicken. Toss everything together with the prepared salt & pepper mix.

Nutrition

Keywords: Adjust spice levels by varying the number of chilies used. Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with beef or turkey if desired.