Crispy chicken breast is a crowd-pleasing dish that offers a deliciously golden, crunchy exterior with tender and juicy meat inside. This recipe takes the simple chicken breast and elevates it with a light, crispy coating, making it perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty addition to sandwiches and salads. The secret to this dish’s crispiness lies in the combination of cornstarch and a tangy marinade with rice vinegar, which helps tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create perfectly crispy chicken breast.
Ingredients
- 300g chicken breast
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (divided)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breast
- Trim and Flatten the Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breast. If the breast is particularly thick, you may want to slice it horizontally into two thinner pieces or pound it gently with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt and black pepper to taste. This step ensures that the chicken is flavorful from the inside out.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a shallow dish, combine 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar with the seasoned chicken breast. Allow the chicken to soak in the marinade for a minimum of 15 minutes. The vinegar helps tenderize the meat, making it juicier and adding a subtle tangy flavor.
- Beat the Egg: In a small bowl, beat the egg until smooth. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar to the egg mixture and mix well. This mixture will serve as the base for the crispy coating.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Prepare the Cornstarch: Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish or plate. The cornstarch will give the chicken a light, crispy coating when fried.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each marinated chicken breast piece first in the cornstarch, ensuring an even coating on both sides. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
- Dip in Egg: Next, dip the cornstarch-coated chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. This double coating helps create an extra crispy texture.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat enough oil over medium heat to shallow fry the chicken. The oil should be hot but not smoking; you can test it by dropping a small piece of the coating into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breast in the hot oil. Fry for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until the coating turns a rich golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 75°C (165°F).
- Drain the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve the Crispy Chicken
- Cool Slightly: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices and ensures the coating stays crisp.
- Serve: Serve the crispy chicken breast hot, either on its own or as part of a meal. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Conclusion
Crispy chicken breast is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly crispy coating. The use of rice vinegar in the marinade and coating process adds a subtle tang and helps achieve that desired crunch. Whether you’re making this dish for a quick weeknight dinner or as a versatile component for other meals, these crispy chicken breasts are sure to satisfy. Follow this recipe for a delicious, golden-brown chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.