Chicken Tempura

Chicken Tempura

4 servings
My chicken tempura recipe yields golden tempura pieces that are crispy on the outside and juicy in the center. They taste like they came straight from a Japanese restaurant!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breast

    sliced into strips

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 large egg

    whisked

  • 1 cup soda water

    seltzer/sparkling water

Directions

  1. 1

    In a mixing bowl, add the chicken breast, soy sauce, salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    In a separate bowl, add the flour, cornstarch, and baking soda and mix well. Make a well in the center and add the egg and soda water. Gently mix until combined.

  3. 3

    Add the oil to a deep pot or saucepan and place it over medium heat.

  4. 4

    Moving quickly, dip the chicken in the batter until fully coated. Shake off excess batter.

  5. 5

    Place several chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden. Remove the cooked chicken and place them on a paper towel to soak up excess oil. Repeat the process until all the chicken is cooked.

Chicken Tempura

Chicken Tempura

5 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Dreaming of that perfectly crispy, restaurant-style chicken tempura? This recipe delivers golden, succulent pieces right in your own kitchen, bringing authentic Japanese flavors to your table.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines by balancing a light, airy batter with flavorful chicken. The secret lies in the carefully crafted batter, which includes cornstarch and baking soda alongside soda water to ensure an incredibly crispy, shatteringly delicate coating. This unique combination prevents a heavy, greasy crust, letting the juicy chicken truly stand out.

What to Expect

Prepare for a delightful sensory experience: each piece of chicken tempura boasts a perfectly golden exterior that audibly crunches with every bite. Inside, the chicken breast remains remarkably tender and juicy, subtly seasoned with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. It’s a harmonious contrast of textures that evokes the quality of tempura found in your favorite Japanese eatery. The delicate crispness of the coating truly elevates the tender chicken within.

Customization & Variations

While sliced chicken breast is the star here, the versatile tempura batter can be adapted. For a different flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or ginger to the chicken marinade. You could also experiment with dipping sauces beyond the traditional, like a spicy mayo or a sweet chili sauce. The key is to maintain uniform slicing of the chicken for even cooking.

Serving & Context

Serve these golden chicken tempura pieces as an impressive appetizer for guests or as a satisfying main course for a casual weeknight dinner. They pair beautifully with steamed rice and a simple green salad.

Frequently Asked Questions