Chicken Tempura Recipe Tempura is one of the most popular dishes in Japanese cuisine, known for its delicate, crispy coating and light texture. While tempura is traditionally made with seafood or vegetables, Chicken Tempura offers a delightful variation that’s sure to please everyone. This dish features tender strips of chicken dipped in a light batter and fried until golden and crisp. The result is a flavorful, crunchy bite that’s perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even as part of a larger meal.
In this article, we’ll explore how to make authentic Chicken Tempura at home, covering everything from choosing the right ingredients to frying tips for achieving that perfect, airy crispness.
Why Chicken Tempura?
Chicken tempura is a versatile dish that blends the light, crisp qualities of traditional tempura with the familiar taste of tender chicken. It’s ideal for those who prefer meat over seafood and can be paired with a variety of dipping sauces to suit different tastes. This dish is easy to prepare and makes a great addition to any meal, whether served with rice, in a bento box, or alongside other tempura items.
Ingredients Needed for Chicken Tempura
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let’s look at the essential ingredients for making crispy and delicious chicken tempura:
For the Chicken Tempura:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: 1 large, cut into thin strips
- Salt and Pepper: To taste (for seasoning the chicken)
- Tempura Batter Mix:
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
- Cornstarch: ¼ cup
- Egg: 1 large
- Cold Sparkling Water: 1 cup (or as needed)
- Vegetable Oil: For deep-frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Mirin: 2 tablespoons
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Grated Ginger: ½ teaspoon
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Tempura
- Prepare the Chicken
- Start by cutting the chicken breast into thin strips of even size. This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly. Season the chicken strips lightly with salt and pepper and set them aside. Tip: Make sure the chicken strips are not too thick, as thicker pieces may not cook through by the time the batter crisps up.
- Prepare the Tempura Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and cornstarch. In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg.
- Gradually add the beaten egg and cold sparkling water to the flour mixture, stirring gently until combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy and not over-mixed. The bubbles from the sparkling water will help create a light and airy texture. Tip: Use ice-cold water to keep the batter temperature low, which helps create a crispy texture when fried.
- Heat the Oil
- In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil needs to be hot enough to cook the batter quickly without absorbing too much oil. Tip: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, as consistent heat is key to achieving crispy tempura.
- Dip and Fry the Chicken
- Working in small batches, dip each seasoned chicken strip into the tempura batter, allowing any excess batter to drip off. Carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil. Fry until the batter is light golden and the chicken is cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Use a slotted spoon or chopsticks to turn the chicken strips and ensure even cooking. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to greasy, soggy tempura.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, sugar, and grated ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves. This dipping sauce offers a balance of salty, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors, complementing the crispy chicken tempura.
- Serve Hot
- Arrange the fried chicken tempura on a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken Tempura
While making tempura is simple, there are some common mistakes that can affect the final dish:
- Over-mixing the Batter: The tempura batter should be mixed gently to avoid activating the gluten in the flour. Over-mixing can result in a dense and chewy coating.
- Using Warm Water for the Batter: Cold water is essential for keeping the batter light and crispy.
- Crowding the Pan: Adding too many pieces at once can drop the oil temperature, leading to greasy tempura.
Variations of Chicken Tempura
Once you’ve mastered the basic chicken tempura recipe, you can experiment with different variations to suit your taste:
- Spicy Chicken Tempura: Add a dash of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the batter for a spicy kick.
- Herbed Chicken Tempura: Mix some dried herbs like oregano or thyme into the batter for an aromatic twist.
- Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Tempura: Wrap a thin strip of cheese inside the chicken before dipping it in the batter for a gooey surprise.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Tempura
While tempura is a fried dish, it offers some nutritional benefits when prepared with lean chicken and paired with a balanced meal:
- Good Source of Protein: Chicken breast is a lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Low in Carbohydrates: Tempura batter, when made with minimal flour and cornstarch, keeps the carb count relatively low compared to other fried foods.
- Rich in Flavor: The dipping sauce provides a burst of flavor without adding extra calories.
Tips for Storing and Reheating Chicken Tempura
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them while maintaining the crispiness:
- Refrigerating: Let the chicken tempura cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To regain the crispiness, reheat the tempura in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the tempura soggy.
Final Thoughts
Chicken tempura is a crowd-pleaser that combines the light, crispy batter of traditional tempura with the tender, juicy goodness of chicken. It’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course, and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. By following this Chicken Tempura Recipe, you can easily recreate this Japanese favorite in your own kitchen.
So why not give it a try and enjoy the satisfying crunch of chicken tempura at home?
