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    The Curry Mommy » Asian

    Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken

    Published: Sep 22, 2021 by The Curry Mommy · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    This Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe is one of my favorite fakeaway recipes

    If you love Chinese takeout, then give this recipe a try! Boneless chicken bites are fried with spices, salt, and pepper then tossed with jalapenos, onions, and scallions. A comforting recipe worth drooling over!

    fakeaway chinese salt and pepper chicken recipe homemade in a bowl with jalapeno onion and fried chicken

    I highly recommended taking this Chinese fakeaway recipe to gatherings. It pairs well with cold beverages.


    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Equipment Needed
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Storage and Reheating
    • Pair it with...
    • Top Tips
    • 📖 Recipe
    • FAQ
    • 💬 Community

    Ingredients

    ingredients for Chinese salt and pepper chicken on a table
    • corn starch
    • Chinese 5 spice
    • white pepper
    • black pepper
    • salt
    • white onion
    • jalapeno pepper
    • garlic
    • boneless skinless chicken thighs
    • green onion (scallions)
    • oil for frying
    • oil for saute

    Instructions

    Make the corn starch mixture by mixing the corn starch, Chinese 5 spice, black pepper, and salt together. Set it aside.

    corn starch and 5 spices in a bowl

    Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and coat them in the corn starch mixture.

    Deep fry the chicken for about five minutes or until cooked through. I love my HexClad pans!

    frying battered chicken in a pan

    In another pan, heat a little oil and saute the chopped white onion and jalapeno until al dente. Add the grated or chopped garlic, salt, black pepper, green onion, and white pepper.

    • saute onions and jalapenos diced in a pan
    • onions peppers salt and pepper in a pan being cooked

    Mix quickly and then add the fried chicken pieces. Saute for about 2 minutes and serve warm.

    close up of a cooked Chinese salt and pepper chicken dish with green jalapenos and white onions

    Equipment Needed

    1. deep frying pot
    2. wok or equivalent
    3. spatula
    4. microplane (optional)
    5. cutting board and knife
    6. bowls
    7. paper towels
    8. tongs
    9. skimmer or frying ladle

    Substitutions

    • Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs - substitute with chicken wings
    • Jalapeno- bell pepper for a less spicy version
    • White Onion- substitute with red onion

    Variations

    • Gluten Free- This recipe is naturally gluten-free. If Celiac, be sure to use gluten free labeled ingredients to prevent contamination.
    • Air Fry- I do not recommend air-frying this recipe.
    • Garlic- can used minced, chopped, or blended garlic but fresh is recommended.

    Storage and Reheating

    Reheating- Simply air fry the chicken until they are heated through. Then toss it with the onions, jalapenos, and spices.

    Freezer Friendly- the fried chicken pieces may be frozen for up to 3 months.


    Pair it with...

    1. Rice
    2. Manchow Soup
    3. Paneer chili
    • a bowl full of a favorite chinese take out recipe salt and pepper tofu fried crispy
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    • 1200 momo chutney recipe in a bowl with green scallions on top
      Momo Chutney Recipe
    • vegan momos in a place with scallions and red chili oil over it
      Vegan Momos with Chutney
    • chinese chicken curry in a bowl
      Easy Indo Chinese Chicken Curry with Onions

    Top Tips

    1. Fry the chicken on high heat
    2. The smaller the chicken pieces the quicker the chicken will cook.
    3. This recipe calls for extra salt, but it really does make the recipe come together.

    📖 Recipe

    fakeaway chinese salt and pepper chicken recipe homemade in a bowl with jalapeno onion and fried chicken

    Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe

    The Curry Mommy
    A quick fried chicken recipe that is a delicious Chinese dish. Perfect for an appetizer or a compliment to an Asian inspired meal.
    5 from 9 votes
    Pin Recipe Print Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine Chinese
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 350 kcal

    Equipment

    • Wok or equivalent
    • Frying Ladle
    • Frying pan to fry
    • Bowl + Paper Towel to drain fried chicken
    • Knife and Cutting Board
    • Microplane (optional for garlic)

    Ingredients
      

    Corn Starch Mixture

    • ¾ cup corn starch
    • 1 tablespoon Chinese 5 spice
    • 1 tablespoon black pepper
    • ¾ tablespoon salt (I use Morton's Iodized salt)
    • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces

    Salt and Pepper Chicken Ingredients

    • 1 teaspoon white pepper
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • 1 medium white onion, diced
    • 2 medium jalapenos, diced
    • 4 sprigs green onions/scallions, diced
    • ½ tablespoon oil
    • oil, for frying
    • 3 cloves garlic, either minced, grated, or chopped finely

    Instructions
     

    Corn Starch Mixture

    • Combine the corn starch, Chinese 5 spice, salt, and black pepper together.
    • Add the chopped chicken to the corn starch mixture, mix it until coated, and set it aside.

    Frying the Chicken

    • Heat oil in a frying pan on high heat.
    • Dust off the extra corn starch mixture from the chicken and then fry it until golden brown (about 3 minutes).
    • Drain excess oil from the chicken by placing it in a bowl/tray with paper towels under it.

    Salt and Pepper Chicken

    • In a pan, heat ½ tablespoon of oil and cook the diced onions and jalapenos for about 2-3 minutes on high heat (add extra oil if needed).
    • Add in the garlic, white pepper, green onions, and salt.
    • Mix quickly and then toss in the fried chicken pieces immediately.
    • Cook for about 2-3 minutes.
    • Serve warm

    Video

    Notes

    This dish is called "salt and pepper" for a reason. Hence, extra salt and pepper are used to season the chicken.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 33gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 157mgSodium: 3000mgPotassium: 1mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 9mg
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @TheCurryMommy or #thecurrymommy!

    FAQ

    What is salt and pepper Chinese chicken?

    A fried chicken dish that is seasoned with heavy pepper and salt.

    What flour to use for salt and pepper chicken?

    Corn flour or corn starch is best to achieve a crispy texture.

    Can you freeze salt and pepper chicken?

    The fried chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, air fry until heated and then toss with the peppers, onions, and spices.

    What is a good fakeaway recipe?

    Chinese salt and pepper chicken is easy to make and delicious when homemade!

    Is salt and pepper chicken spicy?

    It can be made spicy or non-spicy with the addition of fresh chili peppers.

    Is salt and pepper chicken keto?

    When homemade, it can be! Substitute corn starch for arrowroot flour and fry in avocado oil.

    Is salt and pepper chicken gluten-free?

    Yes, it is naturally gluten-free and can be made for Celiac diets by using ingredients that are labeled "gluten-free".

    What kind of oil is used for frying?

    Corn oil, peanut oil, or light olive oil work great.



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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jigs says

      May 15, 2022 at 8:14 pm

      5 stars
      Made this for an appetizer and everyone loved it. It stayed crispy for hours.

    2. Tejal says

      September 26, 2021 at 11:17 am

      5 stars
      This was so easy to make and tasted just like our local Chinese restaurant. I was very impressed with the quality and plan on making it again for thanksgiving.

    5 from 9 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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