Delicious Chinese Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, where I’m excited to share with you my latest creation: Chinese Southern Fried Chicken Recipe. This recipe is a delightful fusion of Chinese and Southern flavors that will satisfy your craving for crispy, saucy chicken.
As a chef who specializes in southern-style cuisine, I’ve always been fascinated by the rich and complex flavors of Chinese food. This recipe is a testament to how cultural diversity can inspire new dishes that are both delicious and memorable.
In this recipe, we’ll be marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and spices, making sure that every piece is infused with flavor from the inside out. We’ll then coat the chicken in a flour-based batter seasoned with five-spice powder and kosher salt before deep-frying it to crispy perfection.
But that’s not all–we’ll also be making a mouth-watering sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and garlic that will take your taste buds on a flavor journey. The end result is an irresistible dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or as part of a spread for your next party.
This dish is perfect for those who love Chinese takeout or classic Southern fried chicken. It’s got just the right amount of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will make it an instant favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, heat up the oil, and let’s get frying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of Southern-style fried chicken and Chinese cuisine, then you’re in for a real treat with this Chinese Southern Fried Chicken recipe! This recipe combines the best of both worlds to create a delicious and unique flavor profile that will satisfy your cravings like nothing else.
Firstly, this recipe uses classic Southern techniques of frying chicken to perfection. We use a combination of flour and seasoning to create that signature crispy coating that crunches under your teeth. You’ll also love how juicy and tender the chicken meat gets under that crispy shell. It’s pure soul food magic!
But what really sets this recipe apart is the infusion of Chinese flavors. We marinate the chicken in soy sauce, rice wine, and fresh ginger which imparts a unique earthy depth to the dish. The five spice powder adds an additional layer of complexity to our chicken barbeque, creating a vibrant bouquet of flavors that meld perfectly.
What’s more, if you’re not into super spicy dishes, then fear not! This recipe is mildly seasoned with just a hint of heat from black pepper and garlic powder. It’s perfect for those who want an authentic Chinese flavor profile without overwhelming their taste buds.
Whether you’re new to Chinese cuisine or looking for something different than your usual Southern-style dishes, this Chinese Southern Fried Chicken recipe is one that you’ll love. One bite and you’ll see why the combination of two great culinary traditions creates a new frontier of flavor!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Chinese Southern Fried Chicken:
Ingredients 1:
- 2 cups of flour
- 2 teaspoons of black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon of white pepper
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
Ingredients 2:
- 3 cups of vegetable oil
Ingredients 3 (Chicken Ingredients):
- 12 chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger (minced)
- 5 cloves of garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp of five spice powder
- 1 cup of soy sauce
- ½ cup of shaoxing wine or rice wine
- ⅓ cup of sugar
- Green onion for garnish
Note that if you want to make a smaller portion, you can cut down the amount by half. Additionally, it is best to marinate the chicken about six hours before cooking so that the flavors will get absorbed in the meat.
The Recipe How-To
Once you’ve gathered all of these ingredients, we can start cooking. This recipe is pretty straightforward, and once you get the hang of it, it’s hard to mess up. Let me walk you through step-by-step how to achieve that perfect southern-style Chinese Fried Chicken!
Prep the Chicken
Start by washing chicken pieces in cold water and pat dry them using paper towels. Don’t forget to remove any excess fat or skin. Then, section your chicken into drumettes, flats, and tips.
In a large mixing bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of five-spice powder. In another mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice wine or shaoxing wine, honey or sugar (depending on your preferred sweetness), white pepper, fresh ginger slices and minced garlic – then pour over the chicken pieces.
Mix well until all coated evenly then let it marinate for 2 hours minimum or overnight (the longer the better).
Frying Chicken
Before frying the chicken, make sure to take it out from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This will help in achieving an even cook.
In another mixing bowl, put in 1 cup of cornstarch and mix with a little bit of the marinade to thicken it up. Dip each marinated chicken piece in this mixture and coat with the cornstarch mixture.
Heat your frying pot over medium-high heat with vegetable oil until it reaches approximately 350°F (~177°C).
For deep-frying several pieces of chicken at a time, refrain from overcrowding your pot or frying pan as this will lower oil temperature drastically which results in unevenly cooked battered chicken.
While frying, take note that smaller wing pieces will take around 10-12 minutes to crispier goals, while the larger pieces (like chicken drumsticks or thighs) may take up to 15-20 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to lift your fried chicken from the pot and drain it on paper towels.
Garnish and Serve
Serve your tasty Chinese southern fried chicken onto a platter with your favorite dipping sauce. I recommend sweet chili sauce, soy sauce with calamansi/lime, or even just honey.
Sprinkle with some thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that added crunch of flavor. This delicious dish will surely satisfy even the most discriminate taste bud as you get that oriental mix with American soul food.
Have fun cooking up this recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit or are missing an ingredient, fear not as there are plenty of substitutions and variations to this Chinese Southern Fried Chicken Recipe that can still give you a delicious and unique taste. Here are a few suggestions:
– Flour: You can swap out all-purpose flour for any gluten-free flour blend of your choice.
– Rice Wine: Shaoxing wine can be substituted with dry sherry or mirin.
– Soy Sauce: Tamari or liquid coconut aminos can act as healthy substitutes for traditional soy sauce.
– Sugar: Brown sugar, honey, or agave nectar could be used instead of white granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor.
– Fresh Ginger: You could use ground ginger as a substitute. The recommended ratio is 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger per tablespoon of fresh ginger.
– Garlic: Make use of garlic powder if you don’t have any fresh garlic on hand. The recommended ratio is 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder per clove of garlic.
– Five Spice Powder: If you don’t have access to five spice powder, you could use equal parts cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns.
– Vegetable Oil: Peanut oil or any other neutral-flavored oil is a great option.
For those who enjoy chicken wings, feel free to make them using this recipe. You will need to adjust the cook time accordingly to ensure they are well-cooked through.
If you want a bit more spiciness, then try out Hat Yai fried chicken. This Thai variant uses turmeric and lemongrass in the marinade, which gives it a unique tangy flavor. For something sweeter, Malaysian Fried Chicken (Ayam Goreng) or Orange Chicken may be up your alley. These variations incorporate honey and orange juice in their sauces.
With these substitutions and variations at hand, there’s a lot of room for customization. So, experiment with different ingredients until you find the perfect Chinese Southern Fried Chicken recipe that suits your taste!
Serving and Pairing
Chinese Southern Fried Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. You can enjoy it as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a snack. This finger-licking Chinese-American classic pairs well with many dishes and drinks. Here are some ideas to spark your inspiration:
Serve this crispy chicken with steamed white rice and stir-fry vegetables for a complete meal. The fluffy rice balances out the crunchy texture of the chicken, while the veggies add color and nutrition.
For a more indulgent feast, pair Chinese Southern Fried Chicken with classic Southern sides such as collard greens, macaroni and cheese, cornbread or biscuits. This combination gives a nod to both Chinese takeout and Black folks’ soul food.
If you’re hosting a party or watching sports, chicken wings are always a crowd-pleaser. Cut the fried chicken into smaller pieces and toss them with your favorite sauce (such as buffalo, BBQ, teriyaki or honey garlic) before serving.
Chicken and beer are best friends. Crispy fried chicken goes great with an ice-cold lager or pilsner. For more adventurous drinkers, try pairing it with an IPA or sour beer.
If you prefer wine or cocktails, there are also options to match. Choose light-bodied white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Riesling that complement the saltiness and spiciness of the chicken. Or go bold with reds like Zinfandel or Malbec that have enough tannins to handle the rich flavors. As for cocktails, try a Mai Tai, Margarita or Dark & Stormy for tropical vibes.
No matter how you serve or pair it, Chinese Southern Fried Chicken is always a crowd-pleasing dish that hits both the sweet and savory notes. Be creative and have fun!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to Chinese Southern Fried Chicken, make-ahead options can be a lifesaver for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. To prepare ahead of time, simply marinate the chicken one day in advance, and keep it in the fridge until ready to cook.
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing and reheating your fried chicken properly can be a game-changer for maintaining its crispy texture and mouth-watering flavor. To store, place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When it’s time to reheat, avoid using the microwave as it will make your chicken soggy. Instead, try one of these methods:
– Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
– Toaster oven: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F. Place the chicken on the toaster oven tray or an oven safe dish. Heat for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
– Air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the chicken pieces in the basket, making sure they do not touch each other. Heat for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through.
Remember to place a paper towel underneath the chicken to absorb any excess oil that may come out during the reheating process.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your Chinese Southern Fried Chicken well beyond your initial serving without sacrificing any of its flavor or crispy texture!
Tips for Perfect Results
Here are some tips to ensure your Chinese Southern Fried Chicken is crispy, flavorful, and delicious every time:
1. Use a meat thermometer: Cooking chicken to the right temperature is essential for food safety, but it’s also important for texture and flavor. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
2. Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and spices adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat. Aim to marinate at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better.
3. Double-dip the chicken: Get extra crispy skin by double-dipping the chicken in flour and egg before frying. This extra step is not mandatory, but it’s a great way to add more texture to your fried chicken.
4. Keep an eye on the oil temperature: The ideal frying temperature is between 350°F and 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the outside of the chicken will burn before it cooks through. If the oil is not hot enough, then your chicken will be greasy and undercooked.
5. Drain excess oil: Once you remove the fried chicken from the oil, place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step ensures that your fried chicken stays crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
6. Season generously: To get that classic southern flavor, make sure to season your flour mixture generously with kosher salt and black pepper. You can also add other spices like garlic powder or Cajun seasoning for extra flavor.
7. Experiment with different sauces: While Chinese Southern Fried Chicken tastes amazing on its own, you can up your game by serving it with different sauces like honey mustard or Sriracha mayo.
By following these tips, you will master this Chinese Southern Fried Chicken recipe and create a dish that is unforgettable to you and those who taste it.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, my Chinese Southern Fried Chicken Recipe is sure to take your taste buds on a flavorful journey. With its unique blend of Chinese and Southern American cuisine, this recipe truly embodies the best of both worlds. The succulent and crispy chicken pieces are marinated with a perfect mix of garlic, ginger, soy sauce and rice wine, creating an exceptionally tasty flavor. Plus, the five-spice powder adds an extra burst of seasoning that will have everyone at your dinner table asking for seconds.
As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I know the value of a classic fried chicken recipe. However, my recipe takes it up another notch by adding a Chinese twist to this beloved classic dish. I believe that this recipe is sure to become your new favorite comfort food.
So why settle for simple southern fried chicken when you could indulge in the bold flavors of my Chinese Southern Fried Chicken Recipe? Impress your family and friends with this fusion masterpiece at your next gathering or enjoy it as a tasty mid-week meal. I guarantee that once you try this recipe out for yourself, you’ll be adding it to your rotation of go-to dishes!
Chinese Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- marinade
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- chicken
- 1 frying chicken, about 3 pounds,cut into 8 pieces
- flour, for dredging
- 1 cup corn oil, for frying
Instructions
- Combine the marinade ingredients with the chicken and set aside for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Dredge the pieces of chicken in the flour.
- Place a rack in a shallow baking pan and put the pan near the stove.
- Heat a large skillet and add the oil.
- When the oil is hot, fry the pieces of chicken on both sides until lightly browned, about 4 or 5 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken on the rack so they don't touch and bake for 45 minutes or until done.
- Serve hot or at room temperature.