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
• For Garnish
• 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
• As Part of a Bento Box
• On a Salad
• How to Perfect Chicken Tempura
• Best Side Dishes for Chicken Tempura
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Chicken Tempura
• Reheating Chicken Tempura
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Chicken Tempura gluten-free?
• What dipping sauces go well with Chicken Tempura?
• Can I use other meats or vegetables for tempura?
• What is the best way to ensure my chicken stays juicy?
• Is Chicken Tempura suitable as a main dish?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create delicious Chicken Tempura in no time.
• Crispy Texture: The unique tempura batter results in a light and crispy coating that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course, appetizer, or even as part of a bento box for lunch.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the seasoning for a unique twist.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether hosting a party or enjoying a family meal, this dish is sure to impress everyone.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather essential tools that will make your Chicken Tempura experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep fryer or Dutch oven: Ensures even cooking and maintains the right oil temperature for perfectly fried chicken.
• Meat tenderizer: Helps achieve an even thickness in the chicken strips, allowing for consistent cooking.
• Slotted spoon: Makes it easy to remove the fried chicken from hot oil while letting excess oil drain away.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Seasoning:

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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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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 the ice-cold water. Stir gently until just combined. Remember not to 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 it 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.

How to Serve Chicken Tempura

Serving Chicken Tempura can elevate any meal, making it a delightful treat for family and friends. Here are some creative ideas to enjoy this crispy dish.

With Dipping Sauces

• Soy Sauce – A classic choice that complements the savory flavor of the chicken.
• Spicy Mayo – Adds a creamy kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Sweet Chili Sauce – Offers a sweet and tangy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the crunchy tempura.

As Part of a Bento Box

• Rice – Include a portion of steamed rice to balance out the meal.
• Pickled Vegetables – Add some tangy pickles for crunch and flavor.
• Edamame – A protein-packed snack that adds vibrant color to your bento box.

On a Salad

• Mixed Greens – Top fresh greens with Chicken Tempura for a satisfying salad.
• Sesame Dressing – Drizzle sesame dressing over the salad for added flavor.

How to Perfect Chicken Tempura

Creating the perfect Chicken Tempura takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

• Bold batter consistency – Ensure your tempura batter is light and airy by mixing it just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense coating.
• Bold temperature control – Keep your oil at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before cooking through; if too cold, it will absorb excess oil.
• Bold ingredient freshness – Use fresh chicken and ingredients for the best flavor and texture in your tempura.
• Bold batch frying – Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding, allowing each piece to cook evenly and stay crispy.

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Best Side Dishes for Chicken Tempura

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Tempura can enhance the meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Steamed Rice – A simple yet perfect side that absorbs flavors from any sauce you choose.
2. Miso Soup – This warm soup provides a comforting complement to the crispy chicken.
3. Stir-Fried Vegetables – Colorful veggies add nutrients and variety alongside your tempura.
4. Soba Noodles – Cold soba noodles offer a refreshing contrast and are easy to prepare.
5. Cucumber Salad – Lightly pickled cucumbers provide crunch and acidity to balance flavors.
6. Tempura Vegetables – Keep with the theme! Mix in some tempura-fried veggies like zucchini or sweet potatoes for extra enjoyment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Tempura, it’s easy to encounter a few pitfalls that can impact the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland tempura. Always season your chicken strips well before coating them in batter.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing the tempura batter too much can create a dense texture. Mix just until combined and leave some lumps for that light, airy quality.
• Using oil that’s not hot enough: If your oil isn’t hot enough, the tempura will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Ensure your oil reaches 350°F (175°C) before frying.
• Crowding the frying pan: Adding too many chicken strips at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy tempura. Fry in small batches for best results.
• Not draining excess oil: Failing to drain the fried chicken properly can lead to a greasy finish. Use paper towels to soak up any excess oil after frying.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Tempura in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken Tempura

• Freeze Chicken Tempura in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Chicken Tempura

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place Chicken Tempura on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a paper towel. Heat for about 1 minute but be aware this may make it less crispy.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through and crispy again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken Tempura:

How do I make Chicken Tempura gluten-free?

You can substitute cake flour with gluten-free flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, including soy sauce.

What dipping sauces go well with Chicken Tempura?

Popular dipping sauces include soy sauce, spicy mayo, or sweet chili sauce. You can choose based on your preference!

Can I use other meats or vegetables for tempura?

Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on chicken tempura, you can use shrimp or vegetables like sweet potatoes and zucchini.

What is the best way to ensure my chicken stays juicy?

Make sure not to overcook your chicken during frying. The ideal cooking time is around 4 minutes per batch.

Is Chicken Tempura suitable as a main dish?

Yes! While often served as an appetizer, it can also be enjoyed as a main dish alongside rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Tempura is not only crispy and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different seasonings or dipping sauces according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try and indulge in restaurant-quality flavors right at home!