Chinese-Flavored Fried Chicken with Green Onion-Ginger Dipping Sauce

Chinese-Flavored Fried Chicken with Green Onion-Ginger Dipping Sauce
Chinese-Flavored Fried Chicken with Green Onion-Ginger Dipping Sauce
This crispy chicken is accented with ginger and sesame oil, and served with a simple dipping sauce of soy, cilantro, green onions and ginger. Wrap the chicken in foil, and store the sauce and slaw in plastic containers; be sure to add a cold pack or two to the picnic basket. Fill a thermos with limeade, or bring along a cooler of your favorite beers.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: Makes 4 Servings
Chinese Chicken Ginger Onion Fry Chill Cilantro Soy Sauce Bon Appétit
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 quart vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 3 tablespoons ground ginger
  • Carbohydrate 44 g(15%)
  • Cholesterol 385 mg(128%)
  • Fat 153 g(235%)
  • Fiber 3 g(11%)
  • Protein 75 g(149%)
  • Saturated Fat 22 g(111%)
  • Sodium 2479 mg(103%)
  • Calories 1852

My Go-To Picnic Recipe: Chinese-Flavored Fried Chicken

As a busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to transport. This Chinese-Flavored Fried Chicken with Green Onion-Ginger Dipping Sauce has become my absolute favorite for picnics and potlucks. It's flavorful, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly simple to make ahead of time, leaving me with more time to focus on enjoying the company of friends and family.

The secret to this recipe’s success lies in the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. The crispy chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and eggs, giving it a tender, juicy interior and a beautifully golden-brown exterior. The ginger adds a delightful warmth, while the sesame oil contributes a rich, nutty flavor. The homemade dipping sauce is equally impressive. A vibrant blend of soy sauce, fresh cilantro, green onions, and ginger, it perfectly complements the rich taste of the fried chicken. Its freshness cuts through the richness of the chicken beautifully.

What I particularly love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less ginger. It also travels exceptionally well. The chicken can be wrapped in foil to stay warm, the sauce stored in a sealed container, and a simple side salad can be prepared in advance too. Pack it all in a cooler bag with some ice packs, and you're good to go for your next outdoor adventure!

Beyond the Picnic: This isn't just a picnic-perfect dish; it's equally fantastic for casual weeknight dinners or even a special occasion gathering. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas are sure to impress your guests. It's impressive enough for company, yet simple enough for a quick weeknight meal. Served with a simple side of rice or noodles, it's a complete and satisfying meal. I've even been known to use leftover chicken in salads or sandwiches the next day. The possibilities are endless.

Tips for Success:

  • Marinate the chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least a couple of hours (or overnight) is key to achieving that tender, juicy texture. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and achieve that satisfying golden-brown crispiness. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy chicken.
  • Let the chicken rest: After frying, allow the chicken to rest on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. This also helps the chicken retain its juiciness.
  • Make the sauce ahead: The dipping sauce can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
  • Transporting with ease: As mentioned before, this dish travels really well, making it ideal for potlucks, outdoor events, or even a family gathering at the park.

This Chinese-Flavored Fried Chicken with Green Onion-Ginger Dipping Sauce recipe isn't just a recipe; it's a ticket to delicious memories. It's a taste of adventure, a celebration of simple pleasures, and a reminder that even the busiest among us can find time for flavorful, satisfying home-cooked meals.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions, or if you decide to try it out! I love seeing your photos and hearing your feedback. Happy cooking!

Step-by-step

    • Make dipping sauce: Whisk all ingredients in small bowl to blend. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
    • Make chicken: Whisk eggs, soy sauce and sesame oil in large bowl to blend. Add chicken to egg mixture, turning to coat. Cover; chill at least 2 hours or overnight.
    • Heat vegetable oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat to 375°F. Mix flour, ground ginger, salt and pepper in another bowl. Add chicken thighs and drumsticks to flour mixture; turn to coat.
    • Add fresh ginger to oil. Fry chicken thighs and drumsticks in hot oil until golden and cooked through, about 10 minutes per side. Using tongs, transfer chicken to paper towels; drain.
    • Coat chicken breasts and wings with flour mixture. Fry until golden and cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)
    • Serve with dipping sauce.