Name: Salt and Pepper Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 60 g cornflour (cornstarch); 1 tbsp table salt; 1.25 tbsp ground black pepper; 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice; 6 pieces skinless chicken thigh fillets (quartered); 240 ml vegetable oil for frying; 1 medium onion (peeled and chopped); 1 piece red chilli (chopped) (relatively mild Fresno or Serrano); 1 piece green chilli (chopped) (relatively mild Fresno or Serrano); 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced); 3 pieces spring onions (scallions) (roughly chopped)

Introduction to Salt and Pepper Chicken

The Rise of Homemade Meals in a Fast-Food World

In today's fast-paced life, the appeal of homemade meals has surged, offering a delightful break from the daily grind and fast-food routine. Enter salt and pepper chicken, a dish that combines simplicity, taste, and the comforting feel of home cooking. This crispy, seasoned chicken dish brings a burst of flavor that’s reminiscent of your favorite Chinese takeaway. But why make it at home?

Firstly, cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients—let's face it, the commercial versions can sometimes be overly salty or loaded with preservatives. By making salt and pepper chicken yourself, you can tailor the spice levels to suit your preference and choose quality chicken that you trust.

Moreover, whipping up your meal can be a fun activity to enjoy with friends or family. Imagine gathering in the kitchen, chatting and cooking together, while the sizzling sound of chicken frying fills the air. If you're eager to reconnect with cooking or explore new culinary horizons, this recipe provides a quick and delicious pathway. Ready to dive into this flavor explosion? Let’s get cooking!

For more insights on creating delicious meals and the benefits of home cooking, check out this informative article from Harvard Health.

Ingredients for Salt and Pepper Chicken

Essential pantry staples

Creating a delicious salt and pepper chicken dish starts with the right pantry essentials. To deliver that crispy texture and satisfying flavor, make sure you have these key ingredients on hand:

Cornflour (cornstarch): 60 g (½ cup) for a light, crispy coating.
Table salt: 1 tablespoon enhances the dish's flavor.
Ground black pepper: 1 ¼ tablespoons add those signature spicy notes.
Chinese five-spice: 1 tablespoon is crucial for an aromatic kick.

These staples will make your chicken come alive with flavor and crunch!

Fresh ingredients for the perfect flavor

While pantry items form the base, fresh ingredients elevate your salt and pepper chicken to the next level. Here's what you'll need:

Skinless chicken thigh fillets: 6, quartered—juicy and tender.
Onion: 1, chopped into thick pieces for sweetness.
Red and green chillies: 1 of each, chopped for a bit of heat.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, to deepen the flavor.
Spring onions: 3, roughly chopped for freshness.

These fresh ingredients not only enhance the taste but also add vibrant colors to your dish! If you want to learn more about the health benefits of ingredients, check out Healthline.

Step-by-step preparation of Salt and Pepper Chicken

Making Salt and Pepper Chicken at home is an enjoyable adventure that results in a mouthwatering dish, perfect for impressing friends or enjoying a cozy night in. Let's dive into the preparation steps!

Gather and prepare the ingredients

Before we start, it's essential to assemble all your ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

60 g (½ cup) of cornflour (cornstarch)
1 tablespoon table salt
1 ¼ tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice
6 skinless chicken thigh fillets, quartered
Vegetable oil (around 240 ml/1 cup)
1 onion, peeled and chopped into large chunks
1 red chilli, chopped into small pieces
1 green chilli, chopped into small pieces
2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
3 spring onions (scallions), roughly chopped

Once everything is ready, you’ll have an efficient cooking experience and delicious results.

Mix the dry seasoning blend

In a mixing bowl, combine your dry seasoning ingredients: cornflour, salt, black pepper, and Chinese five-spice. This blend is crucial to achieving that exceptional flavor you crave in salt and pepper chicken. Whisk them together until evenly mixed.

Coat the chicken pieces

Take your quartered chicken thigh fillets and sprinkle the seasoning mix over them. Toss the pieces gently until each one is thoroughly coated. This process not only flavors the chicken but also ensures a crispy texture when cooked.

Heat the oil for frying

Now it’s time to heat the oil! In a large frying pan, pour enough vegetable oil to create a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat over high heat until it’s hot enough for frying. To test, dip the end of a wooden spoon into the oil—if bubbles form around it, you’re good to go. If unsure how hot is too hot, check out this easy frying guide.

Fry the chicken until golden and crispy

With the oil heated, add the chicken pieces one at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to work in batches. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes, turning once until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Using tongs, transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain excess oil.

Sauté the aromatics

While your chicken is cooking, take a separate pan and add a tablespoon of reserved oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. Toss in your chopped onion, red chilli, and green chilli. Sprinkle in the remaining salt and black pepper, frying until the onions begin to soften, around 2-3 minutes.

Combine chicken with onions and chillies

Finally, add the minced garlic and spring onions to the sautéed mix, frying for another minute. Once both batches of chicken are ready, introduce them to the pan, tossing everything together gently for about a minute.

And voilà! Your homemade salt and pepper chicken is ready to serve. Dive in and enjoy this delightful dish bursting with flavor!

Ready to take on the recipe?

If you're feeling inspired, go ahead and check out the full Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe to make it yourself!

Variations of Salt and Pepper Chicken

Spice it up with different chillies

If you want to enhance that classic salt and pepper chicken flavor, try experimenting with different types of chillies! While mild varieties like Fresno or Serrano add just the right amount of heat, punchy options like Thai bird’s eye chillies can turn up the spice factor. Don’t hesitate to mix and match depending on your heat tolerance; this dish is all about personal taste!

Switch it up: chicken to beef

Feeling adventurous? Swap out the chicken for beef to create a scrumptious alternative! Slicing flank steak into thin strips will give you a delightful variation that’s equally crispy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time as beef might take a bit less time to fry, but the concept remains the same: crispy, seasoned perfection! Check out more creative variations here.

No matter how you customize it, these variations ensure your salt and pepper chicken is anything but ordinary!

Cooking tips and notes for Salt and Pepper Chicken

When whipping up salt and pepper chicken, keep these handy tips in mind:

Fry Responsibly: Opt for a high smoke point oil like vegetable or peanut oil. This ensures perfect frying and protects against burning.
Batch Cooking: Fry your chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature. Working too quickly might lead to soggy results!
Crunch Factor: For maximum crunch, serve immediately after cooking. If you must make it ahead, reheat gently in a frying pan for best results.
Spice it Up or Down: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice levels. Substitute chillies with bell peppers for milder heat or try hotter varieties for a fiery kick.

For more tips on perfecting your chicken, check out sources like Serious Eats for expert frying techniques.

Serving suggestions for Salt and Pepper Chicken

Complementary sides to elevate your meal

To create a delightful dining experience with your salt and pepper chicken, pair it with vibrant sides. Consider:

Steamed jasmine rice: Its subtle flavor serves as a perfect canvas for the chicken’s bold taste.
Stir-fried vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas will add color and nutrition.
Chow mein: The savory noodles give a satisfying texture contrast alongside the crispy chicken.

These sides not only enhance the meal's appearance but also balance the flavors perfectly.

Perfect pairings: sauces and dips

Elevate your salt and pepper chicken with complementary dipping sauces. Options include:

Sweet chili sauce: Its sweetness adds a lovely contrast to the savory chicken.
Soy sauce with a splash of lime: A simple yet flavorful choice that deepens the umami notes.
Hoisin sauce: Use this for a hint of sweetness and a thicker texture that clings to the chicken beautifully.

Think about setting your table with a selection to encourage dipping and sharing—after all, eating is about enjoying the experience!

Time Breakdown for Salt and Pepper Chicken

Preparation Time

Getting ready for this delicious Salt and Pepper Chicken is a breeze! You’ll need just 5 minutes to chop, mix, and prepare your ingredients. Perfect for those busy weeknights!

Cooking Time

Once everything is prepped, the cooking part takes about 20 minutes. In that time, you’ll fry your chicken until it's beautifully golden and toss it with aromatic onions and chilies, creating a dish that’s as vibrant as it is tasty.

Total Time

In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a sensational dish that rivals your favorite takeout. Whether serving as a starter or a main course, this Salt and Pepper Chicken is sure to impress!

For tips on cooking the best chicken, check out this guide on cooking chicken. And if you’re looking to explore more about the cuisines of the world, visit BBC Good Food.

Nutritional Facts for Salt and Pepper Chicken

Calories

This delicious Salt and Pepper Chicken packs in about 487 calories per serving. It’s a satisfying meal that's perfect for those looking to indulge without going overboard.

Protein

With a hearty 34 grams of protein per serving, this dish is an excellent choice for muscle repair and growth. The chicken thighs provide a rich source of protein that keeps you feeling full.

Sodium

It's important to note that Salt and Pepper Chicken contains approximately 1,938 mg of sodium. While this gives it that fantastic flavor punch, it’s worth considering if you're monitoring your sodium intake. Enjoy it in moderation!

For those interested in healthier cooking alternatives, check out Harvard Health for great tips on managing sodium in your diet while still enjoying flavorful meals.

FAQs about Salt and Pepper Chicken

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! While salt and pepper chicken is best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch, you can prepare it ahead of time. Simply cook the dish, let it cool, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat in a frying pan with a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. This way, it'll regain some of its delicious crispiness.

How to keep the chicken crispy when reheating?

To keep your salt and pepper chicken crispy during reheating, avoid the microwave. Instead, use a frying pan or an air fryer. Heat some oil and fry the chicken for about 5-6 minutes until it’s hot throughout. This technique helps maintain that irresistible crunch!

What can I use as a substitute for chicken?

If you’re looking for alternatives, try using beef or even turkey! Thinly sliced beef works wonderfully, and it absorbs the flavors just as well as chicken. Also, some enjoy the dish with pork or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Experiment and see what you like best! For more ideas, check out this substitutes guide.

Conclusion on Salt and Pepper Chicken

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dish, salt and pepper chicken is a delicious choice! Bursting with flavor, this recipe is sure to impress at any dinner table. Try it at your next gathering, and watch your guests come back for seconds! Happy cooking!