If you love Chinese takeout, you’ve probably come across Chinese chicken fingers. These crispy, golden delights are a popular choice for an appetizer or snack. With their crunchy exterior and juicy, tender chicken inside, Chinese chicken fingers are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying on your own. Making these delicious treats at home is easier than you might think, and they’re sure to satisfy your cravings for takeout-style food without leaving the comfort of your kitchen.
What Are Chinese Chicken Fingers?
Chinese chicken fingers are thin strips of chicken breast coated in a crispy batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. They’re often served with dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce, honey mustard, or soy sauce. This dish is popular in Chinese-American cuisine and is a favorite at many Chinese restaurants across the United States. The combination of juicy chicken and a perfectly crispy coating makes these chicken fingers irresistible.
One of the best things about Chinese chicken fingers is that they are incredibly versatile. They can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even a snack. In addition, they pair well with a variety of dipping sauces and side dishes, making them suitable for different occasions. Whether you are hosting a party, having a family dinner, or just craving some comfort food, Chinese chicken fingers are an excellent choice.
Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Fingers
To make Chinese chicken fingers, you will need a few simple ingredients that are easy to find. Here is what you will need:
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into thin strips.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Used for dredging the chicken.
- 1 cup cornstarch: Helps make the batter light and crispy.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds airiness to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper: Provides a mild peppery kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds extra flavor to the batter.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a slight smokiness to the coating.
- 1 cup cold water: Helps create a smooth batter.
- Vegetable oil: For deep frying.
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder: For added depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: To marinate the chicken for added umami.
- Sesame seeds: For garnishing.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Fingers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into thin strips, approximately 1/2 inch wide. Make sure the strips are even in size to ensure they cook evenly. If you want to add extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken strips in soy sauce for about 15-20 minutes before battering them.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Gradually add cold water while whisking until you achieve a smooth, thick batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter—thick enough to coat the chicken but not too thick.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C) for frying. It is essential to maintain the right temperature to ensure the chicken fingers cook evenly and come out crispy.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken strip into the batter, making sure it is fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing the chicken into the hot oil. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken fingers.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the battered chicken strips into the hot oil and fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once fried, remove the chicken fingers from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the Chinese chicken fingers immediately with your favorite dipping sauces. Popular choices include sweet and sour sauce, honey mustard, soy sauce, or even spicy mayo. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for Perfect Chinese Chicken Fingers
- Use Cold Water in the Batter: Cold water helps make the batter extra crispy. The contrast between the cold batter and the hot oil is key to achieving the perfect crunch.
- Maintain the Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at 350°F is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn; if it’s too cool, the batter will absorb too much oil, making it greasy.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken fingers in small batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy chicken.
- Cut Chicken Evenly: To ensure even cooking, cut the chicken strips into equal sizes. This way, they all cook at the same rate and you won’t end up with some pieces undercooked while others are overcooked.
- Drain Excess Oil: After frying, let the chicken fingers drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil. This keeps them crispy rather than soggy.
Variations of Chinese Chicken Fingers
One of the best things about Chinese chicken fingers is that they can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are some variations to try:
- Spicy Chinese Chicken Fingers: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the batter for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Savory: Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the batter for a hint of sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
- Garlic Parmesan: Toss the chicken fingers in grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder after frying for an Italian twist.
- Gluten-Free Chinese Chicken Fingers: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour and gluten-free soy sauce for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Baked Chinese Chicken Fingers: If you prefer a healthier version, bake the chicken fingers at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to coat them with a bit of oil before baking to ensure they crisp up.
- Sesame Chicken Fingers: After frying, toss the chicken fingers in sesame oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and extra crunch.
- Honey Garlic Chicken Fingers: Drizzle the fried chicken fingers with a honey garlic glaze made by combining honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This adds a sweet and slightly spicy flavor.
Dipping Sauce Ideas for Chinese Chicken Fingers
The dipping sauce can make or break the experience of Chinese chicken fingers. Here are some delicious sauces you can pair them with:
- Sweet and Sour Sauce: A classic choice that balances the salty and savory flavors of the chicken fingers.
- Honey Mustard: Adds a sweet tanginess that pairs wonderfully with the crispy coating.
- Soy Sauce with Garlic and Ginger: A simple mix of soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger creates a savory dipping sauce with an aromatic kick.
- Spicy Mayo: Combine mayonnaise and sriracha for a creamy and spicy dip.
- Teriyaki Sauce: The sweetness of teriyaki sauce contrasts beautifully with the salty, crispy chicken fingers.
- Orange Sauce: A sweet and citrusy orange sauce can add a refreshing flavor to the crispy chicken fingers, making them taste similar to orange chicken.
How to Store and Reheat Chinese Chicken Fingers
If you have leftovers, you can store Chinese chicken fingers and reheat them later while retaining most of their crispiness.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Place any leftover chicken fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they are cooled completely before storing to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Freeze: You can freeze Chinese chicken fingers by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To prevent them from sticking together, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a container.
- Vacuum Sealing: For longer storage, consider vacuum sealing the chicken fingers before freezing. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the chicken fresh for a longer period.
Reheating
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken fingers on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Air Fryer: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes. The air fryer helps retain crispiness, making it an ideal reheating method.
- Stovetop: You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side to crisp them back up.
- Toaster Oven: A toaster oven can also be used to reheat the chicken fingers, providing an easy way to maintain crispiness without using a full-size oven.
Serving Suggestions
Chinese chicken fingers can be served as an appetizer or part of a larger meal. Here are some ideas for serving:
- As an Appetizer: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing starter.
- With Fried Rice: Pair with vegetable fried rice or chicken fried rice for a complete takeout-style meal.
- In a Wrap: Add the chicken fingers to a flour tortilla with lettuce, cucumber, and hoisin sauce for a delicious wrap.
- With Noodles: Serve alongside lo mein or chow mein for a classic Chinese-American meal.
- On a Salad: Slice the chicken fingers and add them to a mixed green salad with an Asian-style vinaigrette for a lighter option.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli, carrots, and snap peas for a healthier side dish that balances the richness of the fried chicken.
- Party Platter: Arrange the chicken fingers on a large platter with several dipping sauces in small bowls, perfect for parties or gatherings.
Healthier Alternatives
For a lighter version of Chinese chicken fingers, consider the following modifications:
- Baking Instead of Frying: Bake the chicken fingers at 400°F for 20-25 minutes to reduce oil content while still achieving a crispy texture.
- Use Less Oil: If you prefer to fry them but want to use less oil, consider pan-frying instead of deep-frying. Use just enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to add more fiber and nutrients.
- Air Fryer: Use an air fryer to cook the chicken fingers with less oil while still achieving the crispy texture you love.
- Reduce Salt: Cut down the salt in the batter to make a lower-sodium version.
- Egg White Batter: Use egg whites instead of whole eggs for the batter to reduce the fat content. This keeps the coating light while still helping it stick to the chicken.
- Oven-Fried with Panko: For a baked version with a crunchy texture, coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs and bake until crispy. Panko provides a similar crunch to deep-fried chicken without the extra oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Chinese Chicken Fingers Calories
The calorie content of Chinese chicken fingers depends on the portion size and cooking method. On average, a serving of deep-fried Chinese chicken fingers contains approximately 250-300 calories per 4-ounce serving. To reduce calories, consider baking or air-frying instead of deep-frying.
What is Chinese Chicken Batter Made Of?
The batter for Chinese chicken fingers typically consists of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and cold water. The cornstarch helps make the coating extra crispy, while the baking powder adds lightness to the batter. Some variations may include additional spices like garlic powder or five-spice powder for extra flavor.
How Do the Chinese Get Their Chicken So Tender?
The secret to tender chicken in Chinese cuisine often lies in a technique called velveting. This involves marinating the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch, egg white, and rice wine before cooking. This method helps to break down proteins and create a tender, velvety texture. For Chinese chicken fingers, marinating the chicken in soy sauce and using a cornstarch-based batter helps keep the chicken juicy and tender after frying.