Crispy Chinese Fried Chicken Recipe – Better Than Takeout

Crispy Chinese Fried Chicken Wings: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe

Ever wondered why restaurant fried chicken wings have that perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior that seems impossible to recreate at home? The secret lies in traditional Chinese cooking techniques that have been perfected over centuries, creating that distinctive crunch we all crave.

This chinese fried chicken recipe will transform your home kitchen into your favorite takeout spot. Using a special combination of cornstarch and double-frying, these wings develop an irresistibly crispy coating while maintaining tender, flavorful meat inside.

Whether you’re preparing for game day, a family gathering, or simply craving something delicious, these Chinese-style fried chicken wings will quickly become your go-to recipe. Let’s dive into the authentic techniques that make this dish truly special.

Ingredients List

• 2 pounds chicken wings – separated at joints, tips removed (about 20-24 pieces)
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine – (substitute: dry sherry or rice wine vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon ginger – freshly grated (aromatic and warming)
• 3 cloves garlic – minced (for that pungent depth)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce – preferably light soy for authentic flavor
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder – the signature Chinese spice blend
• 1 teaspoon white pepper – more aromatic than black pepper
• ½ cup cornstarch – the secret to the crispiest coating
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour – helps create structure in the coating
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – creates extra crispiness
• Vegetable oil for frying – at least 4 cups for proper deep frying
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds – for garnish

Timing

Preparation time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours for marinating)

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Total time: 2 hours 35 minutes

While the marination requires patience, the actual cooking process is remarkably quick – just 15 minutes of active cooking time, which is 30% faster than many Western fried chicken recipes that require longer cooking to ensure doneness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine Shaoxing wine, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, five-spice powder, and white pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. This aromatic base will infuse your wings with authentic Chinese flavors.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add chicken wings to the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. For maximum flavor penetration, turn the wings occasionally during marination.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating

In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, and baking powder. This combination creates the perfect crispy exterior. The cornstarch provides crispiness while the baking powder helps create tiny air bubbles for extra crunch.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat oil to 325°F (165°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy as temperature control is crucial for the double-fry method. Too hot and the coating burns before the chicken cooks; too cool and the wings absorb excess oil.

Step 5: First Fry

Remove wings from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess. Carefully lower 6-8 wings into the hot oil and fry for 5 minutes until lightly golden. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 6: Rest Period

Transfer first-fried wings to a wire rack over a baking sheet. Allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the moisture inside to redistribute, creating steam that separates the coating from the skin slightly.

Step 7: Second Fry

Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Return wings to the hotter oil in batches and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until deeply golden and extremely crispy. This second fry is what gives these fried chicken wings their signature crunch.

Step 8: Drain and Season

Transfer finished wings to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still hot, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and five-spice powder for an extra flavor boost. The hot surface will absorb these final seasonings beautifully.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while piping hot for maximum crispiness. These wings are traditionally enjoyed on their own, letting their complex flavors shine.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (5-6 wings):

Calories: 320

Protein: 22g

Carbohydrates: 12g

Fat: 21g

Sodium: 480mg

Fiber: 0.5g

This recipe provides a significant protein boost while containing 15% less sodium than typical restaurant versions. The double-fry method, while using oil, actually results in less oil absorption than single-fry methods, as the first fry seals the exterior.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

For a lighter version, consider air frying these wings at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. While not quite as crispy as deep-fried, they’ll still deliver excellent flavor with approximately 40% less fat.

Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content by about 30%. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Try using skinless chicken tenders instead of wings for a leaner protein option that still works beautifully with this coating and marinade. The cooking time will need to be adjusted to about 3 minutes for the first fry and 2 minutes for the second.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these wings alongside steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete Chinese-inspired meal. The crispy texture contrasts beautifully with soft rice and tender vegetables.

Create a DIY dipping station with options like Chinese hot mustard, sweet chili sauce, or a simple mixture of rice vinegar and soy sauce. This interactive element makes these wings perfect for parties.

For an impressive appetizer spread, pair with other Chinese favorites like vegetable spring rolls, steamed dumplings, and a cold cucumber salad. The variety of textures and flavors will transport your guests to an authentic Chinese banquet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the marination time – This crucial step allows flavors to penetrate the meat. Without it, you’ll end up with bland wings beneath a flavorful coating.
• Overcrowding the fryer – Adding too many wings at once dramatically drops the oil temperature, resulting in greasy, soggy wings. Fry in small batches for best results.
• Skipping the resting period between fries – This 5-10 minute rest is essential for the double-fry technique to work properly.
• Incorrect oil temperature – Too low, and wings absorb oil; too high, and they burn outside while remaining raw inside. A good thermometer is worth the investment.
• Using wet wings in the coating – Make sure to let excess marinade drip off before dredging in the cornstarch mixture for a properly adhered coating.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

These wings are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

For make-ahead preparation, marinate the wings up to 24 hours in advance. You can also mix the dry coating ingredients and store in an airtight container for up to a month.

Avoid microwaving leftover wings as this will make them soggy. If you don’t have access to an oven for reheating, a quick re-fry in hot oil for 1-2 minutes will restore their crispiness.

Conclusion

This authentic Chinese fried chicken wings recipe brings restaurant-quality results right to your kitchen. The combination of aromatic marinade, specialized coating, and double-fry technique creates wings that are impossibly crispy outside and juicy inside.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – once you master the basic technique, you can experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own signature wings. From family dinners to game day gatherings, these wings are guaranteed to impress.

Have you tried making these wings at home? Share your experience in the comments below! And if you loved this recipe, be sure to check out our other Chinese takeout-inspired dishes that bring authentic flavors to your home kitchen.