Chicken Tempura

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this Chicken Tempura recipe brings restaurant-style flavor to your home kitchen! Perfect as an appetizer or a bento box addition, these light and airy chicken tenders are coated in a delicate tempura batter and deep-fried to golden perfection.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken & Seasoning:
• For the Tempura Batter:
• How to Make Chicken Tempura
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Season the Chicken
• Step 3: Make the Tempura Batter
• Step 4: Heat the Oil
• Step 5: Coat the Chicken
• Step 6: Fry
• Step 7: Drain
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve Chicken Tempura
• With Dipping Sauces
• In a Bento Box
• As an Appetizer
• On a Salad
• How to Perfect Chicken Tempura
• Best Side Dishes for Chicken Tempura
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Chicken Tempura
• Reheating Chicken Tempura
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Chicken Tempura?
• How do I make Chicken Tempura gluten-free?
• Can I use other meats for tempura?
• How long does it take to prepare Chicken Tempura?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginners can whip up this delicious dish.
• Flavorful: The combination of ginger and garlic adds a unique taste that elevates the chicken.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, main dish, or add it to a bento box for lunch.
• Crispy Texture: The tempura batter creates a light crunch that complements the tender chicken inside.
• Customizable: You can easily mix up dipping sauces to suit your taste—try spicy mayo or sweet chili!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Chicken Tempura, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep fryer or Dutch oven
• Meat tenderizer
• Mixing bowls
• Slotted spoon
• Sifter

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or Dutch oven: Ensures even heating for perfectly cooked chicken tempura.
• Meat tenderizer: Helps achieve uniform thickness in chicken strips for consistent cooking.
• Mixing bowls: Allows for easy combining of ingredients without mess.
• Slotted spoon: Ideal for removing fried chicken while keeping excess oil in the fryer.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Seasoning:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon finely minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic

For the Tempura Batter:

• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup cake flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup ice-cold water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying

How to Make Chicken Tempura

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken breast to an even thickness. Cut the chicken into thin, even strips.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine chicken strips with salt, pepper, soy sauce, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Mix well and let sit while you prepare the batter.

Step 3: Make the Tempura Batter

In a separate large bowl, sift together cake flour, cornstarch, and baking soda. Add the beaten egg and gradually pour in ice-cold water. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix—lumps are okay.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken strip into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Step 6: Fry

Working in batches, carefully place a few strips into the hot oil. Fry for about 4 minutes, flipping halfway until the tempura is crispy and golden brown.

Step 7: Drain

Remove the fried chicken with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 8: Serve

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as soy sauce, spicy mayo, or sweet chili sauce. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Tempura!

How to Serve Chicken Tempura

Serving Chicken Tempura is all about enhancing its crispy texture and rich flavor. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this dish.

With Dipping Sauces

• Soy Sauce: A classic choice that complements the savory flavors of tempura.
• Spicy Mayo: A creamy and spicy blend that adds a kick to your chicken.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Perfect for those who love a balance of sweet and spicy.

In a Bento Box

• Rice: Serve alongside steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
• Pickled Vegetables: Adds crunch and tanginess to balance the fried chicken.

As an Appetizer

• Cucumber Salad: A light and refreshing side that pairs well with the crispy chicken.
• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can complement the tempura nicely.

On a Salad

• Mixed Greens: Tossed with fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette for a healthy twist.
• Asian Slaw: A crunchy cabbage salad with sesame dressing enhances the tempura’s flavor.

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How to Perfect Chicken Tempura

To achieve the best Chicken Tempura, follow these essential tips for a delightful cooking experience.

• Use Ice-Cold Water: This helps create a light and airy batter, crucial for that perfect crunch.
• Do Not Overmix the Batter: Keeping some lumps in the batter allows for better texture when frying.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil stays around 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and crispiness.
• Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain heat and ensure even frying.
• Season Well: Marinate your chicken strips adequately for enhanced flavor before dipping them in batter.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Tempura

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Tempura can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Steamed Rice: Lightly seasoned rice complements the flavors of tempura perfectly.
2. Miso Soup: This traditional Japanese soup balances out the richness of fried foods.
3. Edamame: These young soybeans offer a nutritious snack that’s easy to prepare.
4. Seaweed Salad: A refreshing option with bright flavors that contrast nicely with tempura.
5. Vegetable Tempura: Enjoy more crunch by serving assorted vegetable tempura on the side.
6. Pickled Ginger: Adds a zesty kick, cleansing your palate between bites of chicken tempura.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Tempura can be easy, but some common mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using warm water: Always use ice-cold water for your tempura batter. Warm water can make the batter too heavy and greasy.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined; lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in a dense texture instead of that airy crunch you want.
• Frying at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding chicken. Oil that’s too cool will make the chicken soggy rather than crispy.
• Crowding the frying pan: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking. Too many pieces at once can lower the oil’s temperature.
• Not seasoning properly: Make sure to season the chicken well before coating it. This enhances flavor and ensures each bite is delicious.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Tempura in an airtight container.
• It can last for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Tempura

• Place cooked chicken tempura in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It freezes well for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chicken Tempura

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate but be aware it may lose its crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil, then reheat until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Tempura?

Chicken Tempura is a Japanese dish featuring battered and deep-fried chicken strips. The batter is light and crispy, making it a favorite for appetizers or main dishes.

How do I make Chicken Tempura gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute regular cake flour with gluten-free flour blends or cornstarch.

Can I use other meats for tempura?

Yes! You can use shrimp, fish, or vegetables in place of chicken to create different tempura variations.

How long does it take to prepare Chicken Tempura?

The total time is about 25 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tempura recipe offers a delightful crunch paired with juicy chicken. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a main dish. Feel free to customize it with different seasonings or dipping sauces to match your taste. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easily you can create restaurant-quality tempura at home!