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+ servings
Crispy Chinese Chicken Balls

Crispy Chinese Chicken Balls You’ll Crave Every Night

Crispy Chinese Chicken Balls are quick to prepare and customizable, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 balls
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Sweet and Sour Sauce
  • 1 cup ketchup no-sugar-added variant for a healthier twist
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar substitute with white sugar if needed
  • 1/2 cup vinegar rice vinegar for a milder taste
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh juice preferred
  • 1/2 cup water use cold water for better texture
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch can substitute with additional flour
Chicken Balls
  • 1 pound Chicken Breasts cut into chunks
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour can use self-rising flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder essential for light texture
  • 1 teaspoon Coarse Kosher Salt substitute with less table salt
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar (for batter) honey is an alternative
  • 1/2 cup Cold Water (for batter) key for consistency
  • 3 cups Neutral Oil for frying

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Deep pot
  • Slotted Spoon
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

Prepare Sweet and Sour Sauce
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch. Stir and place over medium heat. Continuously stir until boiling, then let simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool.
Make Chicken Ball Batter
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, sugar, and coarse kosher salt. Gradually add cold water, stirring until thick and smooth and free of lumps.
Fry Chicken Balls
  1. Preheat oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C). Dip chicken chunks in batter, then drop into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Serve
  1. Arrange the chicken balls on a serving platter. Serve with the sweet and sour sauce for dipping, optionally garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ballCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 14gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, serve crispy Chinese chicken balls fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

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