Crispy Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe

Imagine this: golden-brown chicken pieces, each boasting a shatteringly crisp exterior that gives way to juicy meat within. But what sets this dish apart from the myriad of fried chicken variations in the home cooking landscape? It’s the marriage of simplicity, the delicate balance of seasoning, and the brilliant technique. This Cook! Stacey Cook classic dish is definitely a must-try.

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From selecting the finest cuts of chicken to mastering the art of achieving that coveted crunch, you’ll surely enjoy every step of the way until the dish reaches the dinner table. So, roll up your sleeves, sharpen your knives, and try making this fantastic dish today!

Ingredients:

• 12 0z chicken breast, chopped into smaller size
• 1/3 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp white pepper powder
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp rice wine

Batter:

• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 tbsp oil

Salt and Pepper Powder:

• 1/3 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp white pepper powder

Aromatics:

• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1.4 oz onion, diced
• 0.5 oz bell pepper
• 5 stalks of green onion, chopped
• 2 tsp oil, for frying

Directions:

Step 1

To start, transfer the chicken into a large mixing bowl and add 1/3 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp white pepper powder, 2 tsp minced garlic, and 1 tbsp rice wine. Mix well and marinate the chicken for a while. Next, in a small bowl, combine 1/3 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, and 1/2 tsp white pepper powder. Set aside. Lastly, prep the batter. Combine 1/3 cup cornstarch, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/3 cup water, and 1/2 tbsp oil in a large mixing bowl. Transfer the marinated chicken into the batter and toss them until nicely coated.

Step 2

In a heavy-bottomed pan, add a generous amount of cooking oil, enough for deep frying, and heat it until 350 degrees F. Deep fry the chicken for three minutes, then remove them from the oil. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate and let the chicken rest for 15 minutes. While waiting, go ahead and toast the salt and pepper mixture over low heat for one minute. After 15 minutes, fry the chicken again at 375 degrees F for 20 seconds. Once done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the salt and pepper powder, and toss.

Step 3

In another pan, heat 2 tbsp oil, then add the minced garlic. Saute until fragrant, then add the diced onion and chopped green onion. Stir fry for a minute to bring out the flavor, then transfer to the chicken. Mix well, then serve.

Crispy Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe