Craving incredibly crispy, flavorful chicken that's surprisingly easy to make at home? Look no further! This recipe for Crispy Salted Chicken delivers perfectly golden-brown, juicy meat with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior, all without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Forget greasy takeout – this recipe uses a simple yet effective dry brine to achieve maximum crispiness and a delightful salty flavor that will have you reaching for seconds. You’ll be amazed at how tender and flavorful the chicken remains despite the perfectly crisp skin.
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. The simple preparation and straightforward steps make it accessible to even novice cooks. Ready to achieve crispy chicken perfection in your own kitchen? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Bowl
- Knife
- Pan
- Sieve
- Large saucepan
- Chopsticks
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 kg
- Lemon
- Salt
- Lemongrass: 6 stalks
- Garlic: 1 clove
- Shallots: 5
- Lemon leaves: 10
- Egg: 1
- Salted roasted powder
- Crispy fried flour
- Seasoning powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- MSG: 1/3 teaspoon
- Ground pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Egg yolk: 1
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken and Marinade
- Chop the chicken into small pieces. Add lemon and salt, squeeze to remove bad smell. Wash and drain.
- Marinate chicken for 30 minutes with seasoning powder, MSG, pepper, salt, and egg yolk. Mix well.
- Smash, tear into small strips, and set aside.
- Cut into strips.
- Finely chop shallots and garlic.
Step 2. Fry Aromatics and Chicken
- Heat oil in a pan. Add lemongrass and fry until golden and crispy at medium heat. Remove and drain.
- Fry shallots and garlic until fragrant and golden. Add lemon leaves and stir-fry briefly. Remove and set aside.
- Add crispy fried flour to the marinated chicken and mix well.
- Heat oil in pan. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, ensuring oil covers at least half the chicken pieces. Flip frequently.
Step 3. Combine and Season
- Combine fried lemongrass, shallots, garlic, and lemon leaves in a large saucepan. Add the fried chicken, salted roasted powder, and mix well.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve and enjoy! Garnish with extra lemongrass, garlic, and shallots.
Read more: Vietnamese Grilled Pork: A Delicious BBQ Recipe
Tips
- Don't use too much lemon leaves; it can make the dish bitter.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying chicken. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- The amount of oil should cover at least half of the chicken pieces when frying.
- If you don't have salted roasted powder, you can make your own or buy it online/supermarket.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 2000-2500
- Fat: 120-150g
- Carbs: 50-70g
- Protein: 150-180g
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs/breasts?
Yes! Both work well. Bone-in pieces will take slightly longer to cook.
2. How can I make sure the chicken is extra crispy?
Ensure the chicken is completely dry before breading and frying. A higher frying temperature (around 350°F/175°C) helps achieve extra crispiness.
3. What can I do if my chicken is not browning properly?
Your oil might not be hot enough. Increase the temperature gradually and be sure not to overcrowd the pan. Make sure the chicken is completely dry before frying.
This recipe for Crispy Golden Salted Chicken proves that restaurant-quality food is achievable at home with simple ingredients and techniques. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and delicious flavor – your family and friends will be begging for more! So, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the joy of perfectly crispy, salty chicken.