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
• Dipping Sauces
• On a Bed of Rice
• In a Bento Box
• How to Perfect Chicken Tempura
• Best Side Dishes for Chicken Tempura
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Chicken Tempura
• Reheating Chicken Tempura
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Chicken Tempura?
• Can I use other proteins?
• How do I make the batter lighter?
• What dipping sauces pair well with Chicken Tempura?
• Can I make Chicken Tempura ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The tempura batter creates a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this dish for dinner or a special occasion in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy Chicken Tempura as an appetizer, main dish, or even in a bento box.
• Flavorful Seasoning: The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic elevates the taste of the chicken.
• Homemade Delight: Skip takeout and make this delicious dish right at home with simple ingredients.

Tools and Preparation

To make Chicken Tempura successfully, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need:

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 by maintaining a consistent oil temperature for frying.
• Meat tenderizer: Helps flatten chicken breast for uniform cooking and tenderness.
• Mixing bowls: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
• Slotted spoon: Allows you to remove fried chicken easily while draining excess oil.

Ingredients

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, stirring gently until just combined. Do not 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 your meal and impress your guests. This dish pairs well with various sides and sauces, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Dipping Sauces

• Soy Sauce: A classic choice that enhances the umami flavor of the chicken.
• Spicy Mayo: A creamy, spicy condiment that adds a kick to each bite.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce provides a balance of sweetness and heat, perfect for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness with their savory dishes.

On a Bed of Rice

• Steamed White Rice: Simple and fluffy rice acts as the perfect base, absorbing the flavors.
• Fried Rice: For added flavor, serve tempura over fried rice mixed with vegetables.

In a Bento Box

• Mixed Vegetables: Include colorful vegetables like carrots and broccoli for nutrition.
• Pickled Radishes: These provide a crunchy contrast and refreshing palate cleanser.

How to Perfect Chicken Tempura

Achieving the perfect Chicken Tempura requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your tempura is light and crispy.

• Use cold water: Starting with ice-cold water helps create a light batter that fries up crispy.
• Do not overmix the batter: Lumps in the batter are fine; overmixing leads to tough tempura.
• Maintain oil temperature: Ensure your oil stays at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and crispiness.
• Fry in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower oil temperature and result in soggy tempura.
• Drain excess oil: Use paper towels after frying to remove excess oil for a lighter finish.

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Best Side Dishes for Chicken Tempura

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Tempura can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Miso Soup: A warm, savory soup that complements the crispy texture of tempura.
2. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame provides a healthy snack option that’s easy to prepare.
3. Seaweed Salad: This refreshing salad adds a unique flavor profile that balances out the dish.
4. Cucumber Salad: A tangy cucumber salad offers crunch and brightness alongside tempura.
5. Sushi Rolls: Mini sushi rolls can make for an exciting addition to your meal platter.
6. Tempura Vegetables: Enhance your meal by including assorted tempura vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Chicken Tempura even better. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using Warm Water: Always use ice-cold water for the batter. Warm water can cause the batter to become too thick and greasy.
• Overmixing the Batter: Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients combine. Overmixing can make the tempura tough instead of light and crispy.
• Frying in Too Much Oil: Make sure not to overcrowd the frying pan. Frying too many pieces at once lowers oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken.
• Not Prepping Chicken Properly: Ensure that chicken pieces are cut evenly. Uneven sizes can lead to inconsistent cooking times.
• Ignoring Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to check oil temperature. If it’s too low, your tempura will absorb too much oil; if it’s too high, it will burn.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken Tempura

• Place cooled chicken tempura in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Chicken Tempura

• Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Note that this may result in sogginess.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally to maintain crispiness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Tempura?

Chicken Tempura is a Japanese dish featuring chicken strips coated in a light batter and deep-fried until golden brown.

Can I use other proteins?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, fish, or vegetables for different variations of tempura.

How do I make the batter lighter?

Ensure you use ice-cold water and avoid overmixing the batter, which helps keep it light and airy during frying.

What dipping sauces pair well with Chicken Tempura?

Common choices include soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, spicy mayo, or sweet chili sauce.

Can I make Chicken Tempura ahead of time?

You can prepare and season the chicken ahead but fry just before serving for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tempura recipe offers a delightful crunch paired with juicy chicken that makes it perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors and accompaniments easily. Give this recipe a try and enjoy restaurant-quality tempura at home!