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Crispy Chinese Chicken Balls Recipe with Sweet Sauce

crispy Chinese chicken balls - featured image

Perfectly golden, crispy chicken balls paired with a tangy, sticky sweet and sour sauce. A restaurant-quality comfort food that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ½ cup rice vinegar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gradually pour in the cold water while whisking until you get a smooth, slightly thick batter.
  2. In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter in—it should sizzle and float to the top.
  3. Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, ensuring it’s fully covered. Let any excess batter drip off before carefully placing the chicken into the hot oil.
  4. Fry the chicken balls in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then slowly add to the sauce, stirring constantly until thickened.
  6. Arrange the crispy chicken balls on a platter and serve with the sweet and sour sauce for dipping—or pour it over the top for extra flavor.

Notes

[‘Keep the batter cold for an extra crispy coating.’, ‘Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.’, ‘Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying.’, ‘Drain chicken balls on paper towels to remove excess grease.’, ‘Customize the sauce with chili flakes for heat or pineapple juice for a tropical twist.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken balls, sweet and sour sauce, Chinese recipe, comfort food, homemade Chinese food