Asian Fried Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make
Fried chicken is a global favorite, but the Asian version adds a unique twist that makes it unforgettable. This recipe combines crispy, juicy chicken with a blend of sweet, savory, and spicy Asian flavors. The result is a dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack. Follow these steps to bring the taste of Asian-inspired fried chicken to your kitchen!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or drumsticks, bone-in and skin-on for extra flavor
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for a spicy kick)
For the Crispy Coating:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon five-spice powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon white pepper
For Frying:
Vegetable oil (peanut, canola, or sunflower oil works well)
For the Sweet Soy Glaze (Optional):
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix together the buttermilk, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger powder, black pepper, and sriracha (if using).
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a deeper flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, five-spice powder, paprika, and white pepper.
Take each piece of marinated chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing down to ensure the coating sticks. For an extra-crispy crust, dip each piece back into the marinade and then coat it again in the flour mixture.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Pour enough oil into a deep frying pan or pot to cover the chicken pieces and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Fry each piece for about 6–8 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Sweet Soy Glaze (Optional)
In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.
Simmer over low heat for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Drizzle the glaze over the fried chicken pieces and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
Double coating with the flour and cornstarch mixture will make the crust extra crispy.
Maintain the oil temperature by frying in small batches. If the temperature drops too low, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy.
Experiment with spices: If you want a Korean twist, add gochujang to the marinade, or try some fish sauce for a Thai-inspired flavor.
This Asian fried chicken recipe is sure to impress with its incredible flavors and satisfying crunch. Pair it with steamed rice, a simple salad, or enjoy it as is. It’s comfort food with an exotic twist!
Serving Suggestions for Asian Fried Chicken
To complement the bold flavors of this Asian fried chicken, consider serving it with a few classic Asian-inspired sides or sauces:
Steamed Jasmine Rice: This mild-flavored rice pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken, balancing the spices.
Pickled Vegetables: Lightly pickled carrots, cucumbers, and radishes add a refreshing crunch that contrasts with the fried chicken.
Spicy Mayo or Sriracha Mayo: Blend mayonnaise with sriracha for a creamy, spicy dipping sauce that enhances each bite.
Kimchi: If you’re going for a Korean-inspired meal, serve some kimchi on the side. The tangy, spicy flavor of kimchi contrasts beautifully with the richness of fried chicken.
Sesame Slaw: Make a light slaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to add a fresh, crunchy side.
Variations of Asian Fried Chicken
Korean Fried Chicken: Use gochujang (Korean chili paste) in the marinade for a spicy twist, and coat the fried chicken with a soy-garlic glaze made with gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) and honey for added sweetness.
Japanese Karaage: Swap out the flour coating for potato starch, and marinate the chicken in soy sauce, sake, and ginger. This produces bite-sized, super crispy pieces.
Thai-Style Fried Chicken: Add lemongrass, fish sauce, and lime leaves to the marinade for a fragrant and flavorful Thai twist.
Chinese Five-Spice Fried Chicken: Incorporate more five-spice powder into the coating for a bolder, aromatic flavor profile.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerating: Place any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It can stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To keep the chicken crispy, reheat it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the coating soggy.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the fried chicken. Wrap each piece in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 350
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 620mg
Enjoy this Asian fried chicken recipe as a delicious centerpiece for any meal. Whether you like it spicy, sweet, or savory, the flavors are adaptable and can be customized to your taste. It’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or simply as a comfort food fix. Each bite is a crispy, juicy adventure in Asian flavors, guaranteed to impress friends and family alike!
Pairing Drinks with Asian Fried Chicken
Choosing the right beverage can enhance the flavors of your meal. Here are some ideal drink pairings:
Iced Green Tea: A refreshing, slightly bitter iced green tea pairs well with the savory, fried elements, providing a clean contrast that balances richness.
Beer: A light, crisp lager or pilsner cuts through the fried texture beautifully. For an extra kick, try a Japanese beer like Asahi or Sapporo, or a Korean lager like Hite.
Sake: A chilled, dry sake brings out the umami flavors in the chicken, while a lightly sparkling sake adds a fun, refreshing twist.
Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer: The spiciness of ginger in these drinks complements the flavors of the chicken, and the carbonation adds a refreshing cleanse to the palate.
Sparkling Water with Lime: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of lime or lemon is simple yet refreshing, allowing the flavors of the chicken to shine.
Why You’ll Love This Asian Fried Chicken Recipe
This Asian fried chicken recipe is a standout because it:
Balances Texture and Flavor: The combination of cornstarch and flour creates an ultra-crispy coating, while the buttermilk marinade keeps the meat tender and juicy.
Is Highly Customizable: With endless options for sauces and seasonings, you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste or experiment with different Asian cuisines.
Is Ideal for All Occasions: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a party, or a solo comfort meal, this fried chicken recipe brings a gourmet touch to any occasion.
Troubleshooting Tips
Chicken Isn’t Crispy: If your chicken doesn’t turn out as crispy as you’d like, the oil temperature might be too low. Keep the oil at a steady 350°F (175°C) and fry in small batches to prevent the temperature from dropping.
Overly Greasy Coating: Avoid crowding the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature and leads to greasy chicken. Use a slotted spoon to let excess oil drain off each piece.
Coating Falls Off: To prevent the coating from falling off, pat the chicken dry before marinating and press the coating firmly onto the meat.
Additional Flavor Enhancements
If you want to experiment further, try these flavor additions:
Cilantro-Lime Zest: Add fresh lime zest and chopped cilantro over the chicken right after frying for a zesty, herby boost.
Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for added nuttiness and a pleasant crunch.
Chili Oil Drizzle: A light drizzle of chili oil adds extra heat and a bold, aromatic finish.
This Asian fried chicken recipe offers a perfect fusion of crispy, juicy texture and rich, bold flavors. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and spices, you can elevate fried chicken into something exotic and memorable, bringing an Asian twist to a beloved classic.
