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Best Crispy Chinese Chicken Balls Recipe

Ultra crispy Chinese chicken balls with a light, airy batter and a glossy homemade sweet and sour sauce, just like your favorite takeout.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Method
 

  1. In a saucepan, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, then set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  4. Gradually add cold water until a thick batter forms.
  5. Heat oil to 375°F (190°C).
  6. Dip chicken pieces into the batter.
  7. Fry in small batches until golden and crispy.
  8. Drain on a wire rack.
  9. Serve hot with sweet and sour sauce.

Notes

Use ice-cold water for the batter and avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the chicken balls extra crispy.