Easy Fried Chinese Chicken Balls

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

These fried Chinese chicken balls are dipped in a cornstarch batter, then fried until golden for a crispy, succulent bite better than any restaurant.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 cup water, or more if needed
vegetable oil for frying
5 tablespoons cornstarch
1 pinch ground white pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed

Directions

1 Make batter: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Drizzle in sesame oil. Gradually add water, whisking constantly until smooth; batter should be the consistency of cream. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
2 Fill a deep pan or wok with oil and slowly heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
3 Prepare chicken: Mix together cornstarch and white pepper in a large shallow dish. Dust chicken in cornstarch mixture, then dip into batter, evenly coating each piece.
4 Working in batches, fry coated chicken in hot oil until golden and no longer pink in the center, 4 to 5 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Use a slotted spoon to remove fried chicken to a clean kitchen towel to drain.