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–+ servings
Chinese Chicken Balls with Sweet and Sour Sauce

Crispy Chinese Chicken Balls with Sweet and Sour Sauce Magic

Enjoy the delightful Crispy Chinese Chicken Balls with Sweet and Sour Sauce, perfect for appetizers or main dishes!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Balls
  • 1 pound Chicken Breasts/Thighs Can substitute with turkey or tofu
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour
  • 0.5 cup Cornstarch Substitutable with additional flour in non-gluten-free versions
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Omit for a denser batter
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar Can use brown sugar or a sugar substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Salt No substitutions needed
  • 0.75 cup Cold Water Use ice-cold water for maximum crispiness
  • 2 inches Vegetable Oil Necessary for frying; healthier oils recommended
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
  • 0.5 cup Brown Sugar Can be replaced with a sugar alternative
  • 1 cup Ketchup Can substitute with homemade tomato sauce
  • 0.25 cup Vinegar Use rice vinegar for a milder taste
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Fresh juice is preferable
  • 0.5 cup Water
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Use additional flour in gluten-free recipes
  • 1 teaspoon Salt A pinch goes a long way!

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Deep skillet
  • Whisk
  • Slotted spoon
  • Wire rack
  • Saucepan
  • Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add in ice-cold water, stirring until smooth.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Cut into bite-sized pieces and dip each into the batter, ensuring even coating.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Carefully add battered chicken in batches, frying for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack.
  5. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, lemon juice, water, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk and bring to a boil until thickened.
  6. Arrange chicken balls on a platter and serve with sweet and sour sauce on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 16gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, enjoy these crispy bites fresh out of the fryer. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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