Crispy Chinese Brandy Chicken Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Crispy Chinese Brandy Chicken Delight, where tender chicken breasts marinate in a luscious blend of brandy, soy sauce, and chicken consomme. This recipe infuses a hint of ginger for an aromatic twist, creating a dish that’s perfect for any gathering. The crispy batter enveloping the marinated chicken makes it a crunchy, savory delight the whole family will enjoy. Whether served with steamed rice or a fresh vegetable stir-fry, this dish promises to elevate your dining experience. Share it with friends and family and watch them savor each bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless chicken breasts
4 (Cut in half lengthwise)
Brandy
1/2 cup
Soy sauce
1/4 cup
Chicken consomme
1/2 cup
Fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (Grated)
All-purpose flour
1 cup
Baking powder
2 teaspoons
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Ice water
1 cup
Instructions
1
1. In a shallow dish, combine the chicken breasts with brandy, soy sauce, chicken consomme, and grated ginger. Ensure the chicken is well-coated, then cover and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
2
2. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before frying to ensure even cooking.
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3. For the batter, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine the ice water and beaten egg, slowly incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, leaving a few small lumps for a light texture.
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4. Heat a deep fryer or a large pot with enough oil to submerge the chicken completely. The oil should reach a temperature of 350°F (175°C) – use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, ensuring it doesn't exceed 400°F (204°C) to avoid burning the chicken.
5
5. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in a light coat of flour, shaking off the excess before dipping it into the tempura batter, making sure it’s fully coated.
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6. Carefully drop the battered chicken into the hot oil, frying for about 15-20 minutes or until each piece is golden brown and floats to the surface. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safety.
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7. Once fried, remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Chinese Brandy Chicken Delight?
It is a dish where tender chicken breasts are marinated in a blend of brandy, soy sauce, and chicken consomme, then coated in a light batter and fried until crispy.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should be marinated for 24 hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of brandy, soy sauce, chicken consomme, and grated fresh ginger.
How should the chicken breasts be prepared before marinating?
The four boneless chicken breasts should be cut in half lengthwise before being added to the marinade.
What is the secret to a light batter texture?
Stir the batter gently until just combined, leaving a few small lumps, and use ice water to ensure a light and crispy result.
What ingredients make up the crispy batter?
The batter is made from all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ice water, and a beaten egg.
At what temperature should the chicken be fried?
The oil should reach a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) before frying.
What is the maximum safe temperature for the frying oil?
The oil temperature should not exceed 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) to avoid burning the chicken.
How long does it take to fry the chicken pieces?
It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes for the chicken to become golden brown and float to the surface.
What is the safe internal temperature for the cooked chicken?
The internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) to ensure it is safe to eat.
Why should the chicken rest at room temperature before frying?
Letting the chicken rest for 30 minutes after refrigeration helps ensure even cooking when it hits the hot oil.
What is the purpose of dredging the chicken in flour before battering?
A light coat of flour helps the tempura batter adhere better to the marinated chicken pieces.
How should I drain the chicken after frying?
The fried chicken should be placed on paper towels to absorb any excess oil before serving.
What are the recommended side dishes for this recipe?
This dish is perfect when served with steamed rice or a fresh vegetable stir-fry.
How much brandy is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of brandy for the marinade.
Is fresh ginger required for this dish?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger for an aromatic twist.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses 4 chicken breasts cut into 8 pieces, making it suitable for a family meal.
What type of flour is used for the batter?
All-purpose flour is used for both dredging and the batter mixture.
Does the recipe contain salt?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of salt is included in the dry ingredients for the batter.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chinese cuisine, fried chicken, brandy chicken, easy dinner, comfort food, and asian-inspired.
Can I use a deep fryer for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either a deep fryer or a large pot with enough oil to submerge the chicken.
How much soy sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of soy sauce for the marinade.
What is the role of baking powder in the recipe?
Two teaspoons of baking powder are added to the batter to help it rise and become airy and crispy.
Is there egg in the batter?
Yes, one beaten egg is combined with ice water to form the wet base of the batter.
How much ice water is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of ice water.
What provides the savory base of the marinade?
The combination of soy sauce and 1/2 cup of chicken consomme provides the savory foundation.
Should the chicken be served immediately?
Yes, serving it immediately ensures the best crunch and flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 10 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies boneless chicken breasts, you could adapt it for thighs, though cooking times may vary.
Is this a family-friendly dish?
Yes, the description notes it is a savory delight that the whole family will enjoy.