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A spoon serves chinese chicken recipe from a wok.

Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken

5 from 1 vote
Created by Mariam Ezzeddine
Chinese salt and pepper chicken is an Asian takeout and buffet favorite, but making this Chinese chicken recipe at home is so easy. Crispy salt and pepper chicken is deep fried until golden and crispy, seasoned with garlic and ginger and tossed with crisp-tender onions and bell pepper, all in a single skillet or wok. This easy salt and pepper chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights; your whole family will love it.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Asian, Chinese
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lb chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese five spice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • Oil to deep fry
  • 1 medium sweet onion cut into cubes
  • 1 tablespoon garlic finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red bell peppers cut into small pieces
  • 2 tablespoons green bell peppers cut into small pieces
  • 2 tablespoons green onions roughly chopped

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients; add chicken, cornstarch, Chinese five spice, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken well and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  • In a wok, add oil on medium heat. Deep fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy. Drain the excess oil and set it aside. Repeat the same with the remaining chicken pieces.
  • Heat a large skillet with a tablespoon of oil from the deep-fried chicken. Add onion, ginger, and garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the green and red bell peppers and green onions and saute for 2 more minutes. Transfer the fried chicken pieces back to the skillet and toss them.
  • Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and serve the salt and pepper chicken over the bed of white rice to enjoy.

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. 
  • Everything cooks quickly, so prep your ingredients in advance. 
  • Don’t skip the Chinese five spice. It works really well in this dish. 
  • Use any type of neutral-flavored oil for frying.
  • Cut your chicken into even sized pieces for even cooking. 
  • You can bake or air fry the chicken if you prefer. 
  • If you don’t have a wok, use a large skillet. 
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. 
  • Cook chicken to at least 165 degrees F when checked with a digital thermometer.

Nutrition

Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 402mg | Potassium: 478mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 341IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg
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