Chinese Little Chicken
Chinese Little Chicken features crispy, battered chicken pieces marinated in soy sauce and onions, offering a savory and satisfying dish perfect for those craving bold flavors and a crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces.
- Marinate the chicken in a mixture of chopped onions, egg, soy sauce, salt, and pepper for at least 1 hour.
- Dredge the marinated chicken in flour.
- Deep fry the coated chicken until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or ginger to the marinade. If you don't have soy sauce, tamari can be a great gluten-free alternative. To ensure the chicken stays moist, marinate it for longer than an hour if possible. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy coating, similar to what you'd find in Quick And Easy Sweet And Sour Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chinese Little Chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a side of Chinese Chicken And Cabbage Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, you might also consider serving it with some stir-fried vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the coating, unlike microwaving, which can make it soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Little Chicken contains roughly 237 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2678mg per serving (116% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, making them a great option. Just ensure they are boneless and cut into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
What can I serve with Chinese Little Chicken?
This dish pairs well with various sides, such as fried rice, steamed vegetables, or lo mein. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce, like sweet and sour sauce, to enhance the flavors and provide a delightful contrast.
Can I make this dish in the oven instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the dredged chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).