Recreate the sweet, tangy, and spicy fried chicken dish beloved in Chinese-American cuisine at home.
Author:zoe-thompson
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:45 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Frying
Cuisine:Chinese-American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
Optional Garnish:
Cooked white rice
Scallions, sliced
Sesame seeds
Instructions
In a bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
Dip chicken pieces first in the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
While the chicken fries, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, ketchup, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, water, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Pour the sauce into a clean wok or large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the fried chicken to the thickened sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Serve immediately over cooked white rice, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
For crispier chicken, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying and do not overcrowd the pot.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
This recipe is a great alternative to using meal planning services for a quick weeknight dinner.