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Best Easy Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe

Name: Best Easy Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 160 g
Ingredients: boneless skinless chicken thighs 1.5 lbs; cornstarch 0.75 cup; large egg 1 piece; neutral oil (for frying) 2 cups; green onions 3 pieces; fresh red chili 1 piece; garlic cloves 5 cloves; kosher salt 1 tsp; white pepper 1.5 tsp; sugar 0.25 tsp

Bite-sized chicken pieces are fried until shatteringly crispy, then tossed with salt, white pepper, and fragrant fried garlic. This high protein appetizer is a beloved family crowd-pleaser at any Chinese gathering.

Cook 30 min Difficulty NORMAL 330 kcal

#high protein #appetizer #fried #chinese classic

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

boneless skinless chicken thighs 1.5 lbs
cornstarch 0.75 cup
large egg 1 piece
neutral oil (for frying) 2 cups
green onions 3 pieces
fresh red chili 1 piece
garlic cloves 5 cloves

Seasonings/Sauce

kosher salt 1 tsp
white pepper 1.5 tsp
sugar 0.25 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 18 g 22%

Protein 28 g 34%

Fat 14 g 44%

Serving size 160g

Cooking steps

1

Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch bite-sized pieces, blot dry with paper towels, and set aside.
2

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg, then add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
3

Add cornstarch to the bowl and toss thoroughly, ensuring each chicken piece is well coated for maximum crispiness.
4

Heat oil in a heavy pan over medium-high heat (350°F). Fry chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per batch, turning as needed, until golden and crispy then transfer to a wire rack or paper towel.
5

Remove excess oil, leaving about 2 tbsp in the pan. Lower to medium heat. Add minced garlic and fry until pale golden and fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6

Add sliced green onions and chili, sauté briefly, then return fried chicken. Sprinkle with salt, white pepper, and sugar. Toss for 30 seconds to coat evenly and serve hot.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The foundation of Salt and Pepper Chicken is boneless, skinless chicken thighs. This cut provides succulent texture and bold flavor, which stands up well to frying and the punchy salt and white pepper seasoning. Garlic and green onions also play crucial roles in delivering the dish's signature aroma and savory finish.

Q. How do I achieve the perfect crispy texture for this chicken?

For shatteringly crisp chicken, thoroughly coat each piece in a cornstarch and egg mixture, and fry at a steady 350°F in small batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature, and drain finished pieces on a rack. This method ensures golden, crunchy results without sogginess.

Q. What is the ideal heat and timing for frying the chicken?

Maintain a consistent medium-high heat around 350°F and fry chicken pieces for 3–4 minutes per batch. Proper temperature control ensures the batter crisps quickly without absorbing excess oil, while guaranteeing the chicken cooks through and remains juicy.

Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving provide?

Each serving of this Salt and Pepper Chicken recipe contains approximately 330 kcal and 28g of protein. This makes it a high protein option, ideal as a hearty appetizer or part of a main meal.

Q. Which spices are most important for authentic flavor?

White pepper and kosher salt are essential. White pepper offers a gentle heat and earthy aroma distinct from black pepper, while moderate salt allows the savory and aromatic notes of garlic and green onion to shine.

Best Easy Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe

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