Crispy Fried Chicken
Crispy Fried Chicken is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 400 calories per serving. Recipe by chinesefood0805 on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $9.37 total, $2.34 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Chicken Drumsticks (skin‑on, bone‑in)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (peeled and minced)
- 2 stalks Green Onion (white and green parts chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Light Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (Chinese brand)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted, for coating)
- 2 large Eggs (beaten)
- 2 liters Vegetable Oil (high smoke‑point oil for deep frying)
Instructions
Score and Season the Drumsticks
Make a shallow cut on the side of each drumstick with the back of a knife, then place the drumsticks in a bowl and add the minced ginger, chopped green onion, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and salt. Mix until the seasoning coats every piece evenly.
Time: PT10M
Prepare the Coating Stations
Place the sifted flour in one shallow dish, beat the eggs in a second dish, and set a third dish with another cup of flour. Dredge each seasoned drumstick first in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat again with flour, shaking off excess each time.
Time: PT5M
Heat the Oil
Fill the heavy‑bottomed pot with enough vegetable oil to submerge the drumsticks (about 2 L). Heat the oil over medium‑low heat, using a thermometer, until it reaches 150°C.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 150°C
Deep‑Fry the Drumsticks
Carefully lower the coated drumsticks into the hot oil using tongs. Fry in batches to avoid crowding, cooking for about 7‑8 minutes per side or until the exterior is golden‑brown and the internal temperature reaches 75°C.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 150°C
Drain and Rest
Remove the fried drumsticks with tongs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them rest for 2‑3 minutes before serving.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 400
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Not vegan, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Soy, Shellfish (oyster sauce)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Drumsticks: Chicken Thighs
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (1 tsp)
- Instead of Light Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce (use less)
- Instead of Oyster Sauce: Hoisin sauce (½ tbsp)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Rice flour (for gluten‑free)
- Instead of Eggs: Egg substitute (¼ cup)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Plate or Tray (optional)
- Heavy‑Bottomed Pot
- Thermometer
- Tongs
- Paper Towels (optional)
- Serving Plate (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Make a shallow cut on each drumstick to allow seasoning to penetrate.
- Season the chicken evenly with ginger, green onion, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and salt.
- Coat the chicken with flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat again with flour.
- Heat oil to exactly 150°C and maintain that temperature while frying.
- Fry until golden and crispy, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 75°C.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use cold chicken straight from the fridge; it helps the coating adhere better.
- Add a pinch of baking powder to the flour for an extra light, airy crust.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Shaoxing wine to the seasoning mixture.
Troubleshooting
Coating falls off after frying.
Pat the drumsticks dry before coating and let the flour‑egg‑flour layers rest for a few minutes before frying.
Chicken is soggy instead of crispy.
Make sure the oil stays at 150°C; if it drops too low, increase heat briefly and avoid overcrowding the pot.
Oil smokes or burns the coating.
Reduce heat immediately; the correct temperature is 150°C. Use a thermometer to stay accurate.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in an oven to retain crispness.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Re‑heat by deep‑frying or baking.
Room temperature: Do not leave out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Season the drumsticks and refrigerate up to 12 hours before cooking for deeper flavor.
- Coat the chicken just before frying; coated pieces can sit for up to 30 minutes without becoming soggy.
- Pre‑heat the oil and keep it at 150°C; you can turn off the burner and maintain temperature with a lid while you finish coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of crispy fried chicken drumsticks in Chinese cuisine?
Crispy fried chicken, known as "zha ji" in Chinese, is a beloved comfort food that dates back to the Qing dynasty, where deep‑frying techniques were introduced from Western cooking. It became a staple in home kitchens and street stalls, especially in northern China, for its satisfying crunch and savory flavor.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chinese fried chicken drumsticks across China?
In northern China, the chicken is often seasoned simply with soy sauce and ginger, while in Sichuan the dish may include spicy peppercorns and chili oil. Cantonese versions add a hint of five‑spice powder, and some coastal regions incorporate a splash of Shaoxing wine for aroma.
How is crispy fried chicken traditionally served in Chinese households?
It is typically served hot, either as a main dish alongside steamed rice and stir‑fried vegetables, or as part of a banquet platter with other fried items. It may also be sliced and tossed with a light soy‑vinegar sauce for a cold appetizer.
During which Chinese celebrations or festivals is fried chicken drumsticks commonly enjoyed?
Fried chicken is popular during Lunar New Year celebrations and family reunion meals because its golden color symbolizes wealth and prosperity. It also appears at birthday banquets and street‑food festivals as a crowd‑pleasing snack.
What makes this crispy fried chicken drumsticks recipe special compared to other Chinese fried chicken dishes?
The recipe uses a double‑flour coating with an egg wash, which creates an ultra‑crisp crust while keeping the meat juicy. The addition of ginger, green onion, light soy sauce, and oyster sauce adds a subtle umami depth that is characteristic of home‑style Chinese cooking.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Chinese crispy fried chicken drumsticks versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include fresh ginger, green onion, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and all‑purpose flour. Acceptable substitutes are ground ginger for fresh ginger, regular soy sauce (use less salt), hoisin sauce for oyster sauce, and rice flour for a gluten‑free coating.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with crispy fried chicken drumsticks?
They pair beautifully with steamed bok choy, garlic‑sautéed green beans, a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar, or a bowl of fragrant jasmine rice. A side of sweet‑and‑sour sauce also complements the crisp texture.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy fried chicken drumsticks at home?
Common errors include overcrowding the pot, which drops oil temperature and yields soggy coating, and not drying the chicken before coating, which prevents the crust from adhering. Also, frying at too high a temperature burns the exterior before the meat cooks through.
Why does this recipe use a double flour coating with an egg wash instead of a single coating?
The egg wash acts as a binder, allowing the second layer of flour to adhere firmly, creating a thicker, crunchier crust. A single coating often results in a thinner, less durable crust that can fall off during frying.
What does the YouTube channel chinesefood0805 specialize in?
The YouTube channel chinesefood0805 focuses on authentic Chinese home‑cooking tutorials, showcasing traditional techniques, everyday ingredients, and quick, flavorful recipes that are easy for home cooks to replicate.
How does the YouTube channel chinesefood0805's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?
chinesefood0805 emphasizes straightforward, no‑fuss methods using ingredients readily available in typical supermarkets, while many other channels often rely on specialty Asian market items or elaborate plating. The channel also highlights practical tips for maintaining texture and flavor in everyday meals.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
