Get ready to transform your kitchen into a favorite Chinese takeout spot with this incredible homemade Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken recipe! This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, known for its irresistibly crispy texture, savory seasoning, and vibrant vegetables. Forget the wait and expense of ordering in; mastering this classic at home is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding.
This crispy salt and pepper chicken brings all the authentic flavors you adore right to your dining table. Each bite features succulent chicken pieces, deep-fried to a golden perfection, then wok-tossed with aromatic garlic, pungent ginger, crisp-tender onions, and colorful bell peppers. The result is a symphony of textures and tastes: salty, subtly spicy, and packed with that quintessential umami depth that makes Chinese cuisine so beloved. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that rivals any restaurant offering.
What is Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken?
Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken is a popular dish found in Chinese restaurants and buffets worldwide. It typically features bite-sized pieces of chicken, often coated in a light batter or cornstarch, then fried until exquisitely crispy. The magic happens when these golden chicken morsels are stir-fried with a fragrant blend of aromatics like garlic, ginger, and sometimes chilies, along with fresh vegetables such as bell peppers and onions. The signature “salt and pepper” seasoning usually refers to a mixture of salt, ground white pepper (or black pepper), and often a touch of Chinese five-spice powder, creating a distinct and addictive flavor profile that’s both savory and aromatic. It’s a dish celebrated for its textural contrast and bold, balanced taste.
Why This Homemade Salt and Pepper Chicken Will Be Your New Favorite
There are countless reasons to fall in love with making this Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken at home. Beyond the sheer delight of indulging in restaurant-quality food from your own kitchen, this recipe offers simplicity, versatility, and incredible flavor that will make it a regular on your meal rotation.
- An Authentic Takeout Classic, Reimagined: This isn’t just a mimicry; it’s an elevated homemade version of a beloved classic. The distinct blend of savory, garlicky, and slightly spicy notes, combined with the unparalleled crispiness of the chicken, perfectly captures the essence of what makes salt and pepper chicken so popular. You have full control to adjust the spice level to your preference, from mildly aromatic to a fiery kick, ensuring it’s always just right for your palate.
- Effortlessly Simple, Exceptionally Delicious: Don’t let the “deep-fried” aspect intimidate you. This recipe uses straightforward ingredients and simple cooking methods, making it accessible even for novice cooks. With minimal fuss, you’ll achieve results that taste like they came from a professional kitchen. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you crave something special but don’t have hours to spend cooking.
- Surpassing Restaurant Quality at Home: While takeout is convenient, nothing beats the freshness and customizable nature of a homemade meal. By choosing fresh ingredients and preparing this dish yourself, you’ll experience a level of flavor and texture that often surpasses what you get from a restaurant. Plus, you control the quality of ingredients and the amount of oil used, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.
- Budget-Friendly Family Favorite: Eating out can quickly add up, especially for families. This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying alternative that’s significantly more affordable. It’s a hearty meal that everyone, from adults to picky eaters, is sure to enjoy, making it a perfect family dinner solution.
Essential Ingredients for Salt and Pepper Chicken
Crafting the perfect Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken starts with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature flavor and crispy texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Chicken: For optimal results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cutting them into uniform 1-inch cubes ensures even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs offer a slightly richer flavor and remain tender even when deep-fried.
- Cornstarch: This is the secret to achieving that wonderfully crispy, light coating on the chicken. It creates a delicate crust that locks in moisture, preventing the chicken from becoming tough. Do not substitute with flour for the same crispy effect.
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Seasoning:
- Chinese Five Spice: A cornerstone of Chinese cuisine, this aromatic blend typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. It provides a complex, warm, and slightly sweet flavor that is essential for authentic salt and pepper chicken.
- Salt and Ground Pepper: Fine sea salt or table salt works well. For pepper, freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent kick, but white pepper can also be used for a more traditional, milder heat.
- Oil: Choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point for deep frying, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or grapeseed oil. The quality of your oil significantly impacts the crispiness and flavor of the chicken.
- Onion: A medium sweet onion, cut into cubes, adds a lovely sweetness and aromatic depth when stir-fried, complementing the savory chicken.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for this recipe. Its pungent aroma and flavor are key to building the dish’s foundation. Aim for finely chopped garlic to distribute its flavor evenly.
- Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green bell peppers, cut into small, uniform pieces, not only adds a beautiful splash of color but also a fresh, slightly sweet crunch. They contribute to the crisp-tender texture of the stir-fry.
- Green Onions: Roughly chopped, green onions are used as a vibrant garnish, offering a mild, oniony freshness that brightens the overall dish. Save some for sprinkling just before serving.
- Fresh Ginger: While not explicitly listed in the original ingredients summary, fresh ginger is mentioned in the cooking steps and is crucial for the aromatic base. Finely minced or grated fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy, and zesty counterpoint to the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken
Creating this fantastic Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken at home is a straightforward process, broken down into a few key steps. Follow these instructions to achieve perfectly crispy chicken and flavorful vegetables every time.
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Prepare and Marinate the Chicken:
In a spacious medium bowl, combine your cubed chicken pieces with the cornstarch, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and ground pepper. Toss vigorously to ensure that every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with the seasoning blend. This coating is crucial for developing that desirable crispy crust. Once coated, allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. This short marination time helps the flavors penetrate and adhere better.
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Deep Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection:
Heat a generous amount of your chosen neutral-flavored oil in a wok or a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to fry the chicken efficiently, ideally around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken instead of crispy. Fry each batch until the chicken is golden brown, wonderfully crispy, and cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy chicken to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken.
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Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables:
Once all the chicken is fried, carefully pour out most of the oil from the wok or skillet, leaving about one tablespoon behind. Reheat the pan over medium heat. Add the cubed onion, finely chopped ginger, and minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté these aromatics for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and slightly softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Combine and Toss for Final Flavors:
Add the red and green bell peppers and a portion of the chopped green onions to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Continue to sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing the peppers to become crisp-tender but still retain their vibrant color and slight crunch. Finally, return all the fried chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss everything together vigorously, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the aromatic vegetable mixture. The heat from the pan will warm the chicken and marry all the flavors.
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Serve Immediately and Enjoy:
As soon as the chicken and vegetables are thoroughly combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your homemade Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken immediately over a bed of fluffy white rice, fried rice, or your favorite noodles. Garnish with the remaining chopped green onions for a final touch of freshness and color. Enjoy this flavorful and crispy dish!
Expert Tips for Perfectly Crispy Salt and Pepper Chicken
Achieving that coveted crispiness and rich flavor in your salt and pepper chicken is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some pro tips to help you master this delicious dish:
- Start with Dry Chicken: Before coating, thoroughly pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent the cornstarch from adhering properly and lead to less crispy results.
- Prep Everything in Advance (Mise en Place): This dish cooks quickly, especially the stir-frying part. Have all your vegetables chopped, garlic and ginger minced, and chicken coated before you start frying. This ensures a smooth and stress-free cooking process.
- Don’t Skimp on Chinese Five Spice: This spice blend is fundamental to the authentic flavor of salt and pepper chicken. It adds depth and aromatic complexity that cannot be replicated. Ensure your five-spice powder is fresh for the best impact.
- Choose the Right Oil and Temperature: Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point (like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil) for frying. Maintaining the correct oil temperature (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C) is key to crispiness without overcooking. Too cool, and the chicken will absorb too much oil; too hot, and it will burn before cooking through.
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cut your chicken into similarly sized 1-inch cubes. This ensures that all pieces cook evenly and at the same rate, resulting in consistently tender and crispy chicken.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When frying, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding drops the oil temperature and causes the chicken to steam rather than fry, leading to a less crispy texture. Give each piece space to sizzle.
- Consider Air Frying or Baking: While deep frying yields the crispiest results, you can achieve a lighter version by air frying or baking the chicken. Toss the coated chicken with a tablespoon or two of oil before cooking. For air frying, cook at 380°F (195°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. For baking, spread on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
- Wok vs. Skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying as its sloped sides allow for quick, even cooking and easy tossing. However, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven can also be used effectively for both frying and stir-frying.
- Internal Temperature Check: Always use a digital meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Serve Immediately: For the ultimate crispy experience, serve the salt and pepper chicken as soon as it’s finished cooking. The crispy coating is best enjoyed fresh off the wok.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Salt and Pepper Chicken
Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken is a star on its own, but it truly shines when paired with complementary sides. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to complete your Asian-inspired feast:
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Classic Rice Dishes:
- Steamed White Rice: The simplest and most traditional accompaniment. Its mild flavor perfectly balances the savory chicken.
- Chinese Vegetable Fried Rice: A more substantial and flavorful option, packed with additional vegetables and umami goodness.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is an excellent choice that still provides a satisfying base.
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Noodle Delights:
- Vegetarian Lo Mein Noodles: Soft, savory noodles are a delicious contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Stir-fried Noodles: Any simple stir-fried noodle dish can be a great addition.
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Fresh Vegetable Sides:
- Steamed or Stir-fried Broccoli: A simple, healthy green side.
- Garlic Green Beans: Quick and easy to prepare, offering a fresh crunch.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, tangy salad to cut through the richness.
- Appetizers: Consider serving alongside classic Chinese appetizers like spring rolls, egg rolls, or crab rangoons for a full takeout-style experience.
Variations and Customizations for Your Salt and Pepper Chicken
One of the best parts of cooking at home is the ability to tailor dishes to your exact preferences. This Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for various customizations to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
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Adjusting the Spice Level:
- Mild: Our base recipe is quite mild, relying on the aromatic five-spice and black pepper for warmth.
- Medium: For a pleasant kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken coating or directly into the stir-fry with the garlic and ginger.
- Spicy: Amp up the heat by substituting some of the bell peppers with thinly sliced jalapeño or serrano peppers. For an extra fiery punch, add a few dried red chilies to the oil when sautéing the aromatics.
- Alternative Chicken Cuts: While chicken breast or thigh cubes are common, this dish works beautifully with other cuts. You can use chicken tenders, which are naturally quicker to cook, or even deboned and cut chicken wings for a more indulgent, flavorful option. Just ensure they are cut into manageable, uniform pieces.
- Boost the Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to your stir-fry for added nutrition and color. Great additions include sliced carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or bamboo shoots. Add harder vegetables earlier to ensure they cook through.
- Gluten-Free Option: The recipe naturally uses cornstarch, which is gluten-free. Ensure all your other ingredients, especially any pre-made spice blends (like five-spice, though it typically is GF), are certified gluten-free if catering to strict dietary needs.
- Crispier Coating: For an even crispier coating, consider a double fry method. Fry the chicken once until lightly golden, remove and drain, then increase the oil temperature slightly and fry a second time for a shorter period until deeply golden and extra crunchy.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Planning ahead and knowing how to store leftovers properly can help you enjoy your delicious homemade Salt and Pepper Chicken even on the busiest days.
- Storing Leftovers: Any leftover Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer. While it may not regain its original deep-fried crispiness, these methods will help revive some of its texture better than a microwave. Reheat until thoroughly warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked salt and pepper chicken for longer storage, up to 3 months, in a freezer-safe airtight container. However, be aware that the texture of the crispy coating will significantly soften upon thawing and reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but freezing is an option if you have a lot of leftovers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salt and Pepper Chicken
Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken:
Absolutely! Air frying is a fantastic alternative for a lighter version of this dish. To air fry the chicken, toss the coated chicken pieces with a small amount of oil (about 1-2 tablespoons) to ensure even browning. Cook in a preheated 380°F (195°C) air fryer for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 4-5 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Our base recipe is designed to be very mild, focusing on the aromatic qualities of the Chinese five spice, garlic, and ginger. If you prefer a spicier version, you can easily customize it. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning, or incorporate thinly sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers into your stir-fry alongside the bell peppers for a more noticeable heat.
Yes, this dish is quite versatile when it comes to chicken cuts. While boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes) are recommended for their consistent cooking and texture, you can also use chicken tenders. For a different flavor and texture, some enjoy using small pieces of deboned chicken wings. The key is to cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even frying.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best methods are in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer to help retain some crispiness. The chicken will likely not be as crispy as when freshly made, but it will still be delicious.
You can freeze cooked salt and pepper chicken for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. However, be aware that the crispy coating will soften significantly once thawed and reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but freezing is an option if you have a lot of leftovers.
This flavorful chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Popular choices include fluffy white rice, Chinese Vegetable Fried Rice, Cauliflower Rice for a low-carb option, or Vegetarian Lo Mein Noodles. Steamed greens like broccoli or green beans also make excellent companions.
Explore More Delicious Chinese Chicken Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this Salt and Pepper Chicken, you’re in for a treat! Discover more delightful Chinese-inspired chicken dishes that are perfect for any occasion:
- Chinese Sesame Chicken
- Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
- Chinese Lemon Chicken
- Chinese Szechuan Chili Chicken
- Chinese Hunan Chicken
- Honey Walnut Chicken
Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken
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, for deep frying (e.g., vegetable, canola, peanut)
- 1 medium sweet onion, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, 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 (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, Chinese five spice, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is well coated and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat for deep frying. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy. Drain excess oil on a wire rack and set aside.
- Pour out most of the frying oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Heat over medium heat. Add onion, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the green and red bell peppers and half of the green onions. Sauté for 2 more minutes until crisp-tender. Return the fried chicken pieces to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the salt and pepper chicken immediately over white rice, garnished with the remaining green onions.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Prep all ingredients in advance as cooking is quick.
- Don’t skip the Chinese five spice; it’s key to the dish’s flavor.
- Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point for frying.
- Cut chicken into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- For a lighter option, air fry or bake the chicken (see FAQ or tips section).
- If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet works well.
- Fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition Information (per serving)
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
We hope you enjoy this fantastic homemade crispy Salt and Pepper Chicken recipe as much as we do. It’s a truly rewarding dish to prepare and share. We encourage you to try it, savor every bite, and make it a new family favorite!