Chicken Tempura
Chicken Tempura is a delightful twist on the classic Japanese dish known for its light and crispy batter. Traditionally, tempura is made with seafood or vegetables, but chicken offers a juicy, satisfying alternative that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it with a tangy dipping sauce or enjoying it on its own, this Chicken Tempura recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the art of crafting this crispy delight!
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
This Chicken Tempura recipe is not only straightforward to prepare, but it also delivers an impressive crunch that rivals your favorite takeout. The combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch creates a light batter that fries to a golden perfection. The use of sparkling water adds an airy texture, ensuring your tempura will be crispy and light. Plus, it’s versatile! You can serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or even as part of a vibrant salad.
Your Shopping Guide
Before diving into the kitchen, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- 1 pound chicken breasts – boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce – adds a savory depth to the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a subtle kick.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour – forms the base of your batter.
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch – for that signature crispy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda – helps the batter puff up when frying.
- 1 large egg – adds richness and helps bind the batter.
- 1 cup cold sparkling water – the secret to a light and airy batter.
- Vegetable oil – for frying; canola or peanut oil works great.
- Preferred dipping sauce – such as sweet chili sauce or soy sauce.
Before You Start: Equipment
Ensure you have the following tools ready:
- Deep frying pan or pot – for frying the chicken tempura.
- Cooking thermometer – to monitor oil temperature.
- Mixing bowls – for batter preparation.
- Slotted spoon or spider – to remove the tempura from the oil.
- Paper towels – for draining excess oil.
Chicken Tempura Made Stepwise
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can interfere with the batter’s ability to adhere to the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and the lightly beaten egg. Gradually add the cold sparkling water while mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In your deep frying pan or pot, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer for accuracy.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Once the oil is hot, dip each piece of marinated chicken into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully place the battered chicken into the hot oil, being cautious to avoid splatters. Fry in batches, not overcrowding the pan, for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Using a slotted spoon or spider, remove the tempura from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat the frying process until all the chicken is cooked. Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.
Holiday & Seasonal Touches
Elevate your Chicken Tempura experience with these seasonal ideas:
- Spring: Serve with a fresh citrus-based dipping sauce, incorporating zesty lemon or lime.
- Summer: Pair with a fruity salsa or spicy mango dip for a refreshing twist.
- Fall: Add pumpkin spice to the batter for a seasonal flavor kick.
- Winter: Serve with a warm teriyaki sauce for a cozy touch.
What Not to Do
When making Chicken Tempura, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan; this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tempura.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying; if it’s not hot enough, the batter will absorb too much oil.
- Avoid overmixing the batter; a lumpy batter leads to a fluffier texture.
- Do not skip the marinating step; it’s essential for flavor.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
To keep your Chicken Tempura as fresh as possible:
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooled Chicken Tempura in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it makes tempura soggy.
Common Qs About Chicken Tempura
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can provide a juicier and more flavorful result if you prefer dark meat.
What can I use as a dipping sauce?
Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or even a homemade ponzu sauce work wonderfully with Chicken Tempura.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to make the batter fresh, as it loses its bubbly texture once it sits. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time.
Is Chicken Tempura healthy?
While Chicken Tempura is a delicious treat, it is fried, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
One Pan, More Ideas
If you love Chicken Tempura, you might also want to try:
- Vegetable Tempura – a great way to enjoy seasonal veggies.
- Tempura Shrimp – a seafood twist on the classic recipe.
- Tempura Salad – a refreshing salad topped with crispy tempura.
- Tempura Rice Bowls – a hearty meal option.
The Takeaway
Chicken Tempura is a delightful dish that combines crunch with flavor, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The technique of frying in a light batter allows the chicken to shine while providing a satisfying texture. With the right ingredients and a bit of care, you can recreate this beloved dish right at home.
Now you’re ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor every crispy bite!
Chicken Tempura
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken. Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Marinate the Chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Allow to marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
- Step 3: Make the Batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and the lightly beaten egg. Gradually add the cold sparkling water while mixing until just combined.
- Step 4: Heat the Oil. In your deep frying pan or pot, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Step 5: Fry the Chicken. Dip each piece of marinated chicken into the batter and carefully place into the hot oil. Fry in batches for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Step 6: Drain and Serve. Remove the tempura from the oil and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying.
- Feel free to experiment with different dipping sauces for variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
