Fried Chinese Chicken Balls Recipe

Chicken breast: Diced into small, bite-sized pieces, this forms the base of the chicken balls.

All-purpose flour: Used to create the batter that coats the chicken, giving it a crispy texture.

Baking powder: Helps the batter rise and become light and airy when fried.

Water: Combined with the dry ingredients to form the batter.

Soy sauce: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the batter.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor to the batter.

Onion powder: Adds a hint of onion flavor to the batter.

Vegetable oil: Used for frying the chicken balls to a golden brown.

When preparing the batter for the fried Chinese chicken balls, ensure that the water and soy sauce are added gradually to the dry ingredients. This helps to achieve a smooth and lump-free batter. Additionally, make sure the oil is heated to the right temperature before frying. You can test this by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready. This ensures that the chicken balls cook evenly and achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

• chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with rice flour: Rice flour provides a similar crispy texture when fried and is also gluten-free.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar to mimic the leavening effect of baking powder.

• water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds extra flavor to the batter, enhancing the overall taste.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar umami flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and offers a slightly different mineral profile.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Use 1 clove of minced fresh garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with fresh onion: Use ¼ cup of finely minced fresh onion to replicate the flavor.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it ideal for frying.

• Allow the fried chicken balls to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Transfer the cooled chicken balls to an airtight container. If stacking them, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the chicken balls within 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, place the container in the freezer. The chicken balls can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen chicken balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

• If you prefer to use a microwave, place the chicken balls on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking for doneness.

• Serve the reheated chicken balls immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the fried chicken balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the batter.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chicken balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method is excellent for keeping the chicken balls crispy without adding extra oil.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Place the chicken balls in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they are heated through and regain some of their crispiness.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken balls on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as the other methods.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken balls on the toaster oven tray and heat for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through. This method is convenient and helps maintain a good texture.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the dry and wet ingredients to create a smooth batter.

• Whisk: A utensil used to stir and blend the ingredients together to ensure a smooth and lump-free batter.

• Tongs: A tool used to handle and place the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil safely.

• Frying pan: A deep pan used to heat the vegetable oil and fry the chicken balls until they are golden brown and cooked through.

• Paper towels: Used to drain the excess oil from the fried chicken balls, ensuring they are not too greasy.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the precise amounts of flour, water, and vegetable oil needed for the recipe.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the precise amounts of baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Knife: A sharp tool used to dice the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces.

• Cutting board: A surface used to safely dice the chicken breast.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Dice the chicken breast and measure out all dry ingredients the night before to save time.

Use a deep fryer: A deep fryer can cook the chicken balls more evenly and quickly than a pan.

Preheat the oil: Ensure the vegetable oil is hot before adding the battered chicken to reduce cooking time.

Batch cooking: Fry the chicken balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and increase cooking time.

Use a wire rack: Drain the fried chicken balls on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy.