salt crispy chicken recipe

How to Make Crispy Salt and Pepper Chicken

Salt and pepper chicken, a beloved Taiwanese street food, delights with its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful meat. Here’s a simple guide to recreating this dish at home.

Ingredients: 500g boneless chicken thighs (cut into 2cm pieces), 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 egg, 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 green chili (sliced), 10 curry leaves, 1 tsp five-spice powder, 1/2 tsp white pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, oil for frying.

Steps:

1. Marinate: Toss chicken pieces with egg, cornstarch, five-spice powder, white pepper, and salt. Let sit for 20 minutes.

2. Fry: Heat oil to 170°C. Deep-fry chicken in batches for 5–6 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

3. Stir-fry: In a wok, stir-fry garlic, curry leaves, and chili until fragrant (30 seconds). Add crispy chicken, toss quickly, and season with extra salt and pepper.

4. Serve: Hot with a sprinkle of scallions or pickled vegetables.

Tips: For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken in cornstarch. Adjust spice levels to taste. Enjoy this crispy, savory snack as an appetizer or main dish!