Description
Golden, crunchy chicken balls coated in a light batter, perfect for dipping in sweet and sour or chili sauce. Ideal as an appetizer or served with rice for a complete meal, these chicken balls are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (serves 4):
For the Chicken Balls:
- 500 g boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for deep frying
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Optional for Serving:
- Steamed white rice or fried rice
- Chopped spring onions or sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate Chicken
Combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Batter
In a bowl, whisk the egg. In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip chicken pieces into the egg, then coat with the flour mixture.
Step 3: Fry Chicken Balls
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Make Sweet and Sour Sauce
In a small pan, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
Step 5: Serve
Drizzle sauce over chicken balls or serve on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped spring onions or sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice or fried rice.
Notes
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter version.
- Extra Crispy: Double-dip chicken in egg and flour for a crunchier texture.
- Make Ahead: Chicken balls can be cooked and refrigerated; reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main / Appetizer
- Method: Deep-fried / Air-fried
- Cuisine: Chinese