The Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken Recipe is loved all over the world. It is juicy inside and very crispy outside. This dish is also called karaage in Japan.
It uses simple spices and fresh chicken. You do not need hard tools or skills. Anyone can make it at home. If you want to learn how to make Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken, this guide is for you.
I will share my tested method. You will also learn the best ingredients for Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first tried this recipe at home on a weekend. I wanted something crunchy and comforting. I followed Japanese style cooking ideas. The result surprised me a lot. The chicken stayed juicy and full of flavor.
The coating was light and crisp. My family loved it instantly. Now I make it often for dinners and guests. This Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken Recipe never fails me.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Frying pan or deep pot
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients You Need for Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken
- Boneless chicken thighs – 500 grams
- Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons
- Ginger paste – 1 tablespoon
- Garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1 teaspoon
- Cornstarch – ½ cup
- All-purpose flour – ¼ cup
- Cold water – 2 tablespoons
- Oil for frying – as needed
Instructions
1. Cut the Chicken
Cut chicken thighs into medium bite pieces. Keep them equal size for even cooking.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil and pepper. Mix well. Rest for 15 minutes.
3. Prepare the Coating
In another bowl, mix cornstarch, flour and cold water. Stir lightly. Keep it lumpy.
4. Heat the Oil
Heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Oil should be hot but not smoking.
5. Coat the Chicken
Dip marinated chicken into coating. Cover each piece well. Shake off extra coating.
6. Fry the Chicken
Place chicken gently in hot oil. Fry in batches. Do not crowd the pan.
7. Flip and Cook
Turn pieces after two minutes. Fry until golden and crisp on all sides.
8. Drain and Rest
Remove chicken and place on paper towels. Let rest one minute before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Always use chicken thighs for more juicy results.
- Cold water makes the coating extra crispy.
- Fry in small batches for best texture.
- Do not overcook or chicken will dry.
- Serve fresh for maximum crunch.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken hot and fresh. Add lemon wedges on the side. Sprinkle some green onions on top. This dish tastes great with rice.
You can also serve it with a simple salad. It works well as a party snack. Kids also love this crunchy chicken.
Best Sides To Serve With
Steamed white rice pairs very well. Japanese potato salad is another great choice. Pickled vegetables add a fresh bite. Miso soup balances the meal nicely. You can also serve it with coleslaw.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight box. Keep them in the fridge for two days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer.
Heat until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwave if possible. It makes the coating soft.
Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken thighs – 500 grams
- Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons
- Ginger paste – 1 tablespoon
- Garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1 teaspoon
- Cornstarch – ½ cup
- All-purpose flour – ¼ cup
- Cold water – 2 tablespoons
- Oil for frying – as needed
Instructions
Cut the Chicken
- Cut chicken thighs into medium bite pieces. Keep them equal size for even cooking.
Marinate the Chicken
- Add soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil and pepper. Mix well. Rest for 15 minutes.
Prepare the Coating
- In another bowl, mix cornstarch, flour and cold water. Stir lightly. Keep it lumpy.
Heat the Oil
- Heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Oil should be hot but not smoking.
Coat the Chicken
- Dip marinated chicken into coating. Cover each piece well. Shake off extra coating.
Fry the Chicken
- Place chicken gently in hot oil. Fry in batches. Do not crowd the pan.
Flip and Cook
- Turn pieces after two minutes. Fry until golden and crisp on all sides.
Drain and Rest
- Remove chicken and place on paper towels. Let rest one minute before serving.
Notes
- Always use chicken thighs for more juicy results.
- Cold water makes the coating extra crispy.
- Fry in small batches for best texture.
- Do not overcook or chicken will dry.
- Serve fresh for maximum crunch.
FAQs about Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken
What makes Japanese fried chicken different from regular fried chicken?
Japanese fried chicken uses light seasoning and cornstarch coating. This gives a crisp texture and clean flavor. It feels less heavy and more juicy inside.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast. Thighs are better because they stay juicy. If using breast, do not overcook.
How to make Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken without deep frying?
You can shallow fry or air fry it. Spray oil lightly. Cook until golden. Texture will be slightly different but still tasty.
What oil is best for frying this recipe?
Use neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil. They handle heat well. They do not change the chicken flavor.
Can I marinate the chicken longer?
Yes, you can marinate up to four hours. Longer marinating gives deeper flavor. Do not exceed overnight.
Conclusion
This Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken Recipe is simple and rewarding. It uses easy steps and common items. You now know how to make Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken at home.
The ingredients for Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken are easy to find. The result is crunchy, juicy and full of flavor. Try this recipe once. It may become your favorite fried chicken dish.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
