Crispy Chinese Chicken Bites with Sweet and Sour Bliss
Indulge in these homemade crispy Chinese chicken bites that rival your favorite takeout! Perfect for weekend gatherings or as delicious appetizers, these chicken balls are tender on the inside and golden brown on the outside. The accompanying sweet and sour sauce is a luscious blend of flavors, reminiscent of classic Chinese cuisine. Feel free to enhance the chicken batter with spices like garlic or onion powder for that extra zing. This recipe yields a generous batch, making it ideal for sharing, though you can easily halve it if needed. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your taste for a perfect finishing touch!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
ketchup
1/2 cup (none)
soy sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
white vinegar
1/3 cup (none)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (lightly packed)
white sugar
1 cup (can reduce by 2-3 tablespoons)
cold water or pineapple juice
3/4 cup (or use half and half)
cornstarch
3 tablespoons (adjust for thickness of sauce)
all-purpose flour
1 cup (none)
cornstarch (for batter)
1 cup (none)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (none)
baking soda
2 teaspoons (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (adjust for personal taste)
sugar (for batter)
2 teaspoons (none)
cold water (for batter)
1 1/3 cups (adjust for half recipe as needed)
sesame oil (optional)
1-2 teaspoons (none)
oil (for frying)
as needed (for deep frying)
chicken breasts
8 pieces (cut into bite-size pieces)
seasoning salt (optional)
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
To prepare the sweet and sour sauce, combine ketchup, soy sauce, white vinegar, brown sugar, and white sugar in a large saucepan. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold water or pineapple juice with cornstarch until smooth and lump-free. Whisk this mixture into the saucepan with the ketchup blend.
3
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until it becomes bubbly.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens (this will take a few minutes). Once done, remove from heat and allow it to cool at room temperature.
5
For the chicken balls, in a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and garlic powder. Gradually add in cold water and optional sesame oil, whisking vigorously until the batter is smooth.
6
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the batter and mix thoroughly with your hands until all pieces are well coated.
7
Heat oil in a deep-fryer or Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully place the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry them in batches until they turn a beautiful golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes.
8
Once cooked, remove the chicken bites and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle with seasoning salt immediately, if desired.
9
Serve the crispy chicken bites hot with the sweet and sour sauce for dipping. Enjoy the delightful crunch and flavor!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recipe for Crispy Chinese Chicken Bites with Sweet and Sour Bliss?
This recipe creates homemade crispy chicken balls that are tender on the inside and golden brown on the outside, served with a luscious sweet and sour dipping sauce.
How do I prepare the sweet and sour sauce?
Combine ketchup, soy sauce, white vinegar, brown sugar, and white sugar in a saucepan, then whisk in a mixture of cold water or pineapple juice with cornstarch and boil until bubbly.
Can I use pineapple juice in the sauce?
Yes, you can use either cold water, pineapple juice, or a mixture of both to create the liquid base for the cornstarch slurry.
What ingredients are needed for the chicken batter?
The batter consists of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, sugar, cold water, and optional sesame oil.
At what temperature should I fry the chicken?
Heat the oil in a deep-fryer or Dutch oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long does it take to fry the chicken bites?
The battered chicken pieces should be fried in batches for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until they turn golden brown.
How can I make the chicken batter more flavorful?
You can enhance the batter by adding extra spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of sesame oil for added zing.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for eight chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sweet and sour sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the white and brown sugar amounts to your personal taste, and the recipe even suggests you can reduce the white sugar by 2 to 3 tablespoons.
How do I ensure the sauce is thick enough?
You can adjust the amount of cornstarch used in the sauce slurry to achieve your desired thickness.
Should I season the chicken after frying?
Yes, it is recommended to sprinkle the chicken bites with seasoning salt immediately after removing them from the oil while they are on a paper towel-lined plate.
Is sesame oil required for the batter?
No, sesame oil is an optional ingredient, but adding 1 to 2 teaspoons can provide a nice depth of flavor.
Can I halve this recipe?
Yes, this recipe yields a generous batch but can be easily halved if you are cooking for a smaller group.
How do I get a smooth batter?
Gradually add cold water to the dry ingredients and whisk vigorously until no lumps remain.
What is the best way to serve these chicken bites?
Serve them hot and crispy with the prepared sweet and sour sauce on the side for dipping.
Why is baking powder and baking soda used in the batter?
These leavening agents help create a light, airy, and crispy texture on the outside of the chicken.
Can the sauce be prepared in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and allowed to cool at room temperature before serving.
What kind of vinegar is best for the sauce?
The recipe specifically calls for white vinegar to achieve the traditional tangy profile of Chinese-style sweet and sour sauce.
How should I coat the chicken in the batter?
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces directly into the batter bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands to ensure every piece is well coated.
What should I use to fry the chicken if I do not have a deep-fryer?
A Dutch oven is an excellent alternative for deep-frying chicken bites on the stovetop.
How do I prevent the chicken bites from being too oily?
Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate immediately after frying to absorb any excess oil.
Can I use light brown sugar?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of lightly packed brown sugar for the sauce.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch in the batter?
Cornstarch helps create a crisper coating that holds up better than flour alone when fried.
Is there soy sauce in the chicken bites?
Soy sauce is used in the sweet and sour sauce (1 teaspoon) but not directly in the chicken batter itself.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in the batter, which can be adjusted for personal taste.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is perfect as an appetizer, a snack, or a main course for weekend gatherings.
Do I need to boil the sauce?
Yes, the sauce must be brought to a boil while stirring constantly to activate the cornstarch and allow it to thicken.
How do I handle the chicken for frying?
Carefully place the battered pieces into the hot oil one by one to prevent them from sticking together.
What gives the sauce its red color?
The 1/2 cup of ketchup provides the base color and tanginess for the sweet and sour sauce.
Can I use this batter for other proteins?
While designed for chicken, this crispy batter would likely work well for shrimp or pork pieces as well.