Salt and Pepper Chicken is a simple, crispy, and delicious dish that is often seen on Chinese takeout menus. This homemade version features bite-sized chicken pieces marinated with a savory soy-based marinade, dipped in egg and cornstarch, then fried until golden and crispy. The finishing touch is a generous toss of salt, pepper, and green onions, which brings out the perfect balance of flavor. It’s a quick and easy meal that can be enjoyed with a side of rice or vegetables.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces)

• 1 egg

• ¾ cup cornstarch

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp pepper

• 2 tbsp green onions (chopped)

For the Marinade:

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tsp brown sugar

• 2 tbsp water

• 1 tbsp rice wine

• ¼ tsp baking soda

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients—garlic, salt, brown sugar, water, rice wine, baking soda, and soy sauce. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

2. Coat the Chicken:
   In another bowl, beat the egg with a fork. Drain the marinated chicken and add it to the beaten egg. Toss to coat. Then add cornstarch to the bowl and toss again to ensure the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated.

3. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat, ensuring there’s enough oil to cover the chicken. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.

4. Toss with Seasonings:
   Drain excess oil from the wok, leaving just a little behind. Return the chicken to the wok, add the salt, pepper, and green onions. Toss to coat and heat through.

5. Serve:
   Serve the crispy salt and pepper chicken immediately with a side of rice or vegetables.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 262 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 17g

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 10g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Sodium: 612mg

• Potassium: 438mg

• Fiber: 0.4g

• Sugar: 5g

The Secret to Crispy Chicken

The key to achieving that perfect crispy texture lies in the egg and cornstarch coating. The egg acts as a binder, ensuring the cornstarch sticks to the chicken, while the cornstarch itself creates a light and crispy outer layer. Unlike flour, cornstarch forms a delicate crisp that fries up to a golden, crunchy texture without being overly greasy.

Frying the chicken pieces in vegetable oil ensures they cook quickly and evenly, resulting in chicken that’s crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. The method of frying in batches prevents overcrowding, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than crisp, ensuring every piece gets the perfect crunch.

The Marinade: Flavorful and Tenderizing

The marinade is an essential step in infusing the chicken with flavor before it’s fried. A combination of soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, rice wine, baking soda, and salt works wonders in tenderizing the chicken and adding depth of flavor. The baking soda is a key ingredient that helps break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender and juicy when cooked.

The brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce, while the rice wine gives the chicken a hint of acidity and complexity. Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes allows these flavors to penetrate the meat, ensuring that each bite is flavorful from the inside out.

The Finishing Touch: Salt, Pepper, and Green Onions

After the chicken is fried, it’s time for the final seasoning. Tossing the crispy chicken with salt, pepper, and fresh green onions enhances the flavor and adds a burst of color to the dish. The salt and pepper bring a simple yet bold seasoning that complements the rich, savory chicken, while the green onions add a fresh, slightly sharp flavor that balances out the richness.

This final step brings everything together, elevating the dish with just a few ingredients. The green onions not only add a punch of flavor but also provide a vibrant contrast against the golden brown chicken, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Serving Salt and Pepper Chicken

Salt and Pepper Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, which helps absorb the bold flavors of the chicken and its sauce. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal, or even as an appetizer for a party or gathering.

For an added twist, you can serve the chicken with a side of sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping, enhancing the dish’s savory profile and adding a touch of heat if you prefer.

Why Salt and Pepper Chicken is So Popular

Salt and Pepper Chicken is a crowd-pleasing favorite because of its crispy texture, bold flavor, and simple preparation. The balance of saltiness, sweetness, and peppery spice makes it an irresistible dish, while the crispy coating ensures that each bite is satisfying. It’s the perfect option for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, and it’s also great for feeding a crowd at a gathering or party.

The dish is also highly customizable. You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less pepper, or even toss in some chili flakes for extra spice. If you want a sweeter version, add a touch more sugar to the marinade. This flexibility makes it a dish that can be adapted to suit your personal taste preferences.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Salt and Pepper Chicken contains approximately 262 calories, with 25 grams of protein. The dish is a good source of lean protein from the chicken, while the use of cornstarch and vegetable oil provides some healthy fats. Although the dish contains a moderate amount of fat, it is balanced with the protein content and is relatively low in carbohydrates.

While it does contain sodium, especially from the soy sauce and salt, it is still a relatively healthy option when consumed in moderation. The addition of green onions and a small amount of garlic helps provide some antioxidants, though the dish could be complemented with a side of vegetables to boost its fiber content.

Conclusion

Salt and Pepper Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy chicken, savory-sweet marinade, and bold seasoning, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you serve it with rice, vegetables, or as an appetizer, this dish delivers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Quick and easy to make, it’s a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family. Try this recipe for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen!