Sassy Chopsticks

  • Flavorful Asian-inspired Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe

×
Home » Recipes » Chicken

Chinese Salt And Pepper Chicken Recipe

Published: Jun 6, 2023 by Yuan

51 shares
  • Facebook1
  • Flipboard
  • X
Jump to Recipe

What is Chinese salt and pepper chicken?

Chinese salt and pepper chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It typically consists of deep-fried chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and Chinese five spice powder, then stir fry with mixed peppers. The dish is known for its flavorful and aromatic coating, created by tossing the seasoned deep-fried chicken pieces with peppers for the second time cooking.

Chinese salt and pepper chicken recipe
Jump To
  • What is Chinese salt and pepper chicken?
  • Simple ingredients
  • Step-by-step cooking instruction
  • Pro tips
  • Store and reheat
  • Conclusion
  • Chinese Salt And Pepper Chicken Recipe
  • YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

This simple recipe pairs well with steamed rice and is usually garnished with cilantro or some additional black pepper for added visual appeal and taste. Combining deep frying and stir-frying brings out the crispy texture and savory flavors, making it a popular choice among chicken lovers!

Simple ingredients

The main ingredients for Chinese salt and pepper chicken recipe are as follows:

Chicken: Typically boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs(or any part of dark meat) are used for this dish. I used chicken breast for this recipe. Cut the chicken breast into bite-size pieces or cubes.

Salt, black pepper and Chinese Shaoxing wine: Regular table kosher salt or sea salt and black pepper are used to season the chicken.  Feel free to substitute with white pepper. I also add a tablespoon of Shaoxing wine to the chicken mixture.

ingredients

Red and green bell peppers: I used bell peppers here because they are less spicy than red chilies. Feel free to use the hot pepper if you enjoy spicy food.:) 

Chinese five-spice powder: This blend of spices is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It is a key component of this dish, providing its distinctive flavor.  It typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. Chinese five-spice powder adds depth and complexity to the dish. You can find them easily in all major grocery stores. 

Corn starch: I used corn starch to coat the chicken pieces before frying. It creates a crispy outer layer and helps seal in moisture. The starch forms a barrier between the chicken and the hot oil, preventing excessive oil absorption and resulting in a lighter, crispier texture.

Cooking oil: To deep fry the chicken. A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil.

Additional seasonings (optional): Depending on the recipe and personal preference, additional seasonings like chili flakes, Chinese chili powder, or other spices may be included to add heat and extra flavor.

Step-by-step cooking instruction

Start preparing the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces or strips. Remove any excess fat or connective tissue. Season the chicken: In a large bowl, combine salt, ground black pepper, Chinese five-spice powder, and any additional seasonings of your choice. Mix well.

coated chicken pieces

Coat the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the seasoning mixture and toss until they are evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Heat the oil: In a large frying pan or a large wok, add enough cooking oil to deep-fry the chicken. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350-375°F (175-190°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of chicken into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.

cooking steps

Fry the chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the high temperature oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. The frying time varies. Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Drain excess oil: Once the chicken is cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked chicken from the oil. Place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess fat.

Dump the deep frying oil leaving 2 tablespoons of oil in the wok. Heat oil over high heat, add chopped onion, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the deep-fried chicken pieces and red and green pepper to the sauteed onion. Toss quickly for another 2 minutes. Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the chicken. Transfer the crispy salt and pepper chicken to a serving plate.  Serve with steamed white rice, and enjoy! 

Pro tips

To make a perfect Chinese salt and pepper chicken recipe, here are some pro tips to consider to bring out the best results:

  • Marinate the chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate for 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
  • Control the oil temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature throughout frying. Too low a temperature can make the chicken greasy, while too high can burn the coating before the chicken cooks through. You can use a cooking thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat.
  • Fry in small batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make the chicken less crispy. Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain the optimal frying temperature and achieve a crisp texture.
  • Drain excess oil: After frying the chicken, place it on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain the extra oil. This step helps keep the chicken crispy and prevents it from becoming too greasy.
  • Season to taste: Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Add more ground black pepper, and chili flakes, if you prefer a spicier version. 
  • Serve immediately: It is best to enjoy Chinese salt and pepper chicken when they are hot and fresh. The crispy texture may soften over time, so serve it immediately for the best eating experience. 
Chinese salt and pepper chicken recipe 2

Following these pro tips, you can elevate your Chinese salt and pepper chicken to a delicious and satisfying dish.

Store and reheat

To store and reheat Chinese salt and pepper chicken, follow these guidelines:

Storage: Allow the fried chicken to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container or plastic bag. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's important to store the chicken separately from any accompanying sauces or garnishes to maintain its crispiness.

Reheating options: You can reheat the chicken by using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and reheat for 10-15 minutes or until heated. This method helps maintain the crispness of the chicken. Or you can reheat the chicken in the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes at 375°F. 

However, it’s worth mentioning that reheating may cause the crispy chicken pieces to lose some of their original crispiness, especially using a microwave and steamer, which can cause them to become soggy. So, try to reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to help maintain its flavor and texture to the best extent possible.

Conclusion

Chinese salt and pepper chicken is a delicious and popular dish with a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crispy, golden-brown chicken, seasoned with salt and pepper, is a mouthwatering treat.  Enjoy its enticing aroma, crispy texture, and lovely taste. Whether cooking for a gathering or simply craving a flavorful chicken dish, Chinese salt and pepper chicken recipe is a fantastic choice that will leave you satisfied and craving more. Happy cooking! 

Chinese salt and pepper chicken recipe

Chinese Salt And Pepper Chicken Recipe

Chinese salt and pepper chicken recipe typically consists of deep-fried chicken pieces seasoned with spices, then stir fry with mixed peppers.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 233kcal

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds chicken breast cubed
  • 1 large green pepper
  • 1 large red pepper
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 cups cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon salt and black pepper mix
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine

Instructions

  • Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces or strips. Remove any excess fat or connective tissue.
  • Season the chicken: In a large bowl, combine salt, ground black pepper, Chinese five-spice powder, and any additional seasonings of your choice. Mix well.
  • Coat the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the seasoning mixture and toss until they are evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  • Heat the oil: In a large frying pan or a large wok, add enough cooking oil to deep-fry the chicken. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350-375°F (175-190°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of chicken into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.
  • Fry the chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the high temperature oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. The frying time varies. Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Drain excess oil: Once the chicken is cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked chicken from the oil. Place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess fat.
  • Dump the deep frying oil leaving 2 tablespoons of oil in the wok. Heat oil over high heat, add chopped onion, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the deep-fried chicken pieces and red and green pepper to the sauteed onion. Toss quickly for another 2 minutes. Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the chicken.
  • Transfer the crispy salt and pepper chicken to a serving plate. Serve with steamed white rice, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 8.1g | Protein: 37.6g | Fat: 4.4g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 811mg | Fiber: 2.8g | Sugar: 4.1g | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below, and tag me @sassychopsticks9 or tag #sassychopsticks9 on Instagram!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • A bowl of black sticky rice pudding garnished with mango slices and sprinkled with coconut flakes.
    Easy Black Rice Pudding: A Hearty, Delicious Dessert
  • A colorful strawberry banana smoothie in a clear glass, showcasing a blend of strawberries and bananas on a cutting board.
    Healthy Strawberry Banana Smoothie Without Yogurt
  • Close-up of warm red bean soup in a pretty blue and white color bowl 252.
    Easy Red Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipe You Must Try
  • A plate of lemon white chocolate cookies.
    5-Ingredient Lemon White Chocolate Cookies With Cake Mix

Comments

  1. Mahy says

    October 20, 2023 at 7:38 am

    5 stars
    Oh wow, I am surprised that I have never tried this recipe below - it certainly looks amazing!

    Reply
5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




me

Hey there! Welcome to SassyChopsticks.com!

I'm Yuan, a writer, world traveler, web developer, and photographer based in the U.S. My journey has taken me across multiple countries, from Malaysia to England, before I settled in Tennessee, where I've called home for nearly two decades.

More about me →

Popular

  • Tuna kimbap on a brown cutting board with a few spinach leaves on the side.
    Spicy Tuna Kimbap Rolls – Quick & Tasty Recipe
  • Colorful stir-fried kung pao chicken with vegetables in a glossy sauce, served on a plate with chopsticks on the side.
    Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken: Easy Copycat Recipe
  • Cantaloupe slices on a cutting board.
    How to Cut a Cantaloupe: Simple Step-by-Step Guide
  • Baking soda in a clear glass with a silver spoon resting inside, ready for use in cooking or baking.
    Top 6 Baking Soda Substitutes for Easy Baking

Trending recipes

  • rolls
    Chinese Egg Rolls
  • stir fry Taiwanese spinach
    Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic
  • Creamy coconut shrimp buffet style
    Creamy Coconut Shrimp Buffet Style- Quick and Easy
  • Chinese sponge cake
    Chinese Sponge Cake Recipe (Chiffon Cake)

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.