Crispy Chicken!

Crispy Chicken Recipe Made with Five Spice Powder and Rice Wine

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Crispy Chicken is a popular dish known for its crunchy exterior and juicy interior. This recipe combines the perfect blend of spices and cooking techniques to create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The origins of Crispy Chicken can be traced back to traditional Chinese cuisine, where it is often served as a festive dish during special occasions. The combination of deep-frying and marinating techniques gives this dish its signature crispy texture and flavorful taste.

Ingredients

1.5 kg chicken
1 tbsp salt (dry-fried)
0.5 tsp five spice powder
1.5 tbsp light corn syrup or honey
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp rice wine
750 ml hot water
0.5 cup cooking oil for deep frying (add more if necessary)
1 lemon, thinly sliced for garnish

How to prepare

Dry-fry salt over low heat until it becomes very hot.
Remove the salt from heat and mix it well with five-spice powder.
Set the mixture aside.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Blanch the chicken in the boiling water and then drain it well.
In a pot, combine light corn syrup, vinegar, and hot water.
Heat the mixture over a low flame until the syrup is completely dissolved.
Pour the syrup mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is completely coated.
Hang the chicken in the sun for approximately 8 hours or use an electric fan to dry it.
Mix the five spice powder with the dry-fried salt.
Rub the mixture inside the chicken and secure the opening with toothpicks.
Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the chicken over low heat.
Increase the heat and continue deep frying for 3-5 minutes or until the chicken turns golden brown.
Drain the excess oil from the chicken.
Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and arrange them on a serving plate.
Garnish with lemon slices and serve the dish hot.

Variations

Try adding different spices or herbs to the marinade for a unique flavor profile.
Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to dry-fry the salt until it is very hot to enhance its flavor.

- Blanche the chicken before marinating to ensure it is cooked through.

- Hang the chicken in the sun or use an electric fan to dry it thoroughly before frying.

- Use a combination of low and high heat when deep frying to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crispy Chicken with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Deep frying, blanching, marinating, and dry-frying are the key cooking techniques used in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken for this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and fry it just before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, sesame seeds, or sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Crispy Chicken with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a tangy coleslaw for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

5g per serving

Fats

15g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, vitamin B6, and niacin.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

This dish is high in protein and moderate in fats and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal option.

Summary

Crispy Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and juicy interior, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Crispy Chicken. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy little cottage by the seaside. Margaret was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to trying out new dishes whenever I visited her.

On this particular day, Margaret had something special planned for dinner. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the tantalizing aroma of herbs and spices wafting through the air. Margaret greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a piece of paper with a handwritten recipe on it.

"Darling, I think you're going to love this Crispy Chicken recipe," Margaret said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "It's a family favorite, passed down from generation to generation. I learned it from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother, and so on. It's a true gem."

I eagerly read through the recipe, taking in every detail. The ingredients were simple yet flavorful - chicken pieces, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices. The method seemed straightforward, but Margaret assured me that the secret to making the chicken truly crispy lay in the technique.

As Margaret busied herself in the kitchen, I sat at the table, watching her work her magic. She coated the chicken pieces in a mixture of breadcrumbs and spices, then carefully placed them in a hot skillet filled with sizzling oil. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish.

After a few minutes of frying, Margaret flipped the chicken pieces over, revealing a golden-brown crust that looked impossibly crispy. She cooked them a little longer, then transferred them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess oil.

"Try one," Margaret urged, handing me a piping hot piece of crispy chicken. I took a bite, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The chicken was perfectly cooked, juicy on the inside and wonderfully crispy on the outside. It was unlike any chicken dish I had ever tasted before.

From that day on, Crispy Chicken became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for my family, friends, and anyone who was lucky enough to come over for dinner. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to Margaret and her grandmother, as if I were carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through the generations.

Over the years, I experimented with the recipe, adding my own twist here and there. Sometimes I would jazz up the breadcrumbs with a hint of garlic or sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a burst of freshness. But no matter how I changed it, the essence of the dish remained the same - crispy, flavorful, and utterly delicious.

As I grew older, I shared the recipe with my own grandchildren, passing on the tradition that Margaret had started with me. Together, we would gather in the kitchen, laughing and chatting as we coated the chicken pieces in breadcrumbs and spices. The memories we created around the dinner table were precious, and I knew that this recipe would continue to bring joy and warmth to our family for years to come.

Now, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day at Margaret's cottage, I can't help but smile. That simple piece of paper with the handwritten recipe for Crispy Chicken had sparked a culinary journey that had enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined.

So here I am, standing in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Crispy Chicken for my family. The familiar scents of herbs and spices fill the air, and I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that had brought me so much joy over the years.

As I take the first bite of the crispy, golden-brown chicken, I am transported back to that day at Margaret's cottage, surrounded by love, laughter, and the unmistakable taste of tradition. And in that moment, I know that this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart - a reminder of the bonds we create through food and the memories we share around the dinner table.