Salt and Pepper Chicken

The perfect balance of heat, crunch, and savory goodness—Salt and Pepper Chicken is a Chinese takeout classic that’s easy to recreate in your own kitchen. Bite-sized pieces of tender chicken are coated in a light, spiced flour blend and fried to crispy perfection.

Sautéed with fragrant garlic, peppers, and optional chilies for a kick, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles, and you’ll have a meal that’s guaranteed to disappear fast.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 large egg

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced

• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 green onions, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small chili (optional), thinly sliced

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with egg and toss to coat.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, Chinese five spice, and red pepper flakes.

3. Dredge each chicken piece in the dry flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly.

4. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

5. Fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate.

6. In a clean pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic, bell peppers, and chili for 1-2 minutes.

7. Return fried chicken to the pan, toss with the sautéed veggies, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

8. Garnish with green onions and serve hot with rice or noodles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Takeout Classic Made Easy: Salt and Pepper Chicken

Salt and Pepper Chicken is one of the most beloved Chinese-inspired dishes, cherished for its simplicity, bold flavors, and incredible texture. This dish is a mainstay in many Chinese takeout menus around the world, particularly in the UK and parts of Asia. Its appeal lies in its crispy, golden-brown chicken paired with a seasoning blend that’s both fragrant and peppery without being overpowering.

At its core, this dish captures what makes Chinese cooking so special—balance. You get saltiness, subtle sweetness from sautéed vegetables, a kick of heat, and the warmth of garlic and pepper that lingers on your palate. Recreating this dish at home is not only possible, but it’s surprisingly easy and doesn’t require complex ingredients or hours of cooking. This makes it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prepping for flavorful lunches.

The Origins of Salt and Pepper Chicken

While it may appear to be a Western-style fried chicken dish, Salt and Pepper Chicken has deep roots in Cantonese cooking. The original version, called “椒盐鸡” (jiao yan ji), is a staple of Cantonese cuisine, traditionally made with whole chicken pieces, including bone-in wings or drumsticks. The version most popularized in Western takeout culture has evolved into bite-sized boneless pieces, making it easier to eat, serve, and share.

Its flavor foundation is inspired by Chinese seasoning principles—using aromatics like garlic and spring onions, alongside simple dry spices like salt, white pepper, and chili flakes to amplify natural umami. The fusion of crispy textures with savory spice has helped this dish transcend borders and become a comfort food for many households worldwide.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this Salt and Pepper Chicken recipe a standout is its attention to texture and seasoning. Unlike heavily battered fried chicken, this version uses a light dredge of cornstarch and flour to create a crisp shell that doesn’t absorb too much oil. The result? A crunchy bite that still lets the flavor of the chicken shine through.

The seasoning blend is equally thoughtful. White pepper, often underused in Western kitchens, brings a mild heat and sharp earthiness that complements garlic and chilies perfectly. Chinese five-spice is optional in this recipe, but it can add a deeper, more complex background flavor for those who enjoy a slightly aromatic profile.

Tossing the freshly fried chicken in a quick sauté of garlic, bell peppers, and optional chilies not only adds color and aroma but also gives the final dish a punch of freshness. It’s a technique that elevates the meal from “fried snack” to “balanced dinner.”

Tips for the Best Salt and Pepper Chicken

To achieve optimal results, follow these expert tips:

• Use chicken thighs instead of breast. Thigh meat stays juicier after frying and has more flavor.

• Dry the chicken thoroughly before dredging. Moisture on the meat can cause the coating to fall off or become soggy.

• Double-fry for extra crispiness if you want a restaurant-style crunch. Fry once at medium heat, then again briefly at high heat.

• Don’t skip the aromatics. Garlic, scallions, and chili are essential to achieving that signature flavor and aroma.

• Serve immediately. Like most fried foods, this dish tastes best fresh out of the pan when the coating is at its crunchiest.

Customizations and Variations

Salt and Pepper Chicken is highly customizable. Depending on your dietary needs or taste preferences, there are many ways to tweak this dish while preserving its soul.

• Low-oil version: Instead of deep frying, you can air fry or pan-fry the chicken pieces. While the texture won’t be exactly the same, you’ll still get a satisfying crisp with less grease.

• Vegetarian/vegan version: Substitute tofu or cauliflower for the chicken. Coat and cook them the same way, but adjust cooking times slightly depending on moisture content.

• Gluten-free alternative: Replace the flour with rice flour or a certified gluten-free all-purpose blend. Cornstarch is already gluten-free, so the swap is simple and effective.

• Add heat or sweetness: For those who love a spicy kick, include fresh Thai chilies or a dash of chili oil. A drizzle of honey or hoisin sauce can also add a sweet-salty contrast that many enjoy.

Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal

While Salt and Pepper Chicken shines on its own, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and mains to complete a full meal. Some pairing suggestions include:

• Steamed Jasmine or Basmati rice: Simple and fluffy rice lets the chicken flavors take the spotlight.

• Garlic noodles or lo mein: A great option for those who want a more filling carb base.

• Asian-style cucumber salad: Cool and refreshing, it balances the heat and saltiness of the chicken.

• Egg drop soup or hot and sour soup: Light soups can serve as an excellent first course.

• Stir-fried vegetables: Broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas stir-fried with sesame oil and garlic complement this dish well.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), proper storage and reheating are key to preserving texture and flavor.

• Storage: Let the chicken cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Avoid the microwave as it will make the coating soggy. Instead, reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until hot and crispy again.

Cultural Appreciation Without Appropriation

When cooking dishes like Salt and Pepper Chicken, it’s important to acknowledge their cultural roots and culinary significance. While adaptations are natural and sometimes necessary, understanding the origin and honoring the flavors helps foster appreciation rather than appropriation.

This recipe is a celebration of Cantonese culinary principles made accessible to home cooks. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this dish offers a gateway to explore deeper aspects of Chinese-inspired cooking while enjoying a meal that satisfies on every level.

Conclusion

Salt and Pepper Chicken is the ultimate comfort food: crispy, savory, a little spicy, and irresistibly flavorful. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality results from your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, it’s a guaranteed hit.

Its versatility means you can tweak the spice level, change up the protein, or even go meat-free—all while keeping the essence of the dish intact. More than just a quick dinner idea, it’s a recipe that showcases how minimal ingredients, when handled with care, can transform into something truly crave-worthy.

So next time you’re craving takeout, skip the delivery apps and head to your kitchen. Salt and Pepper Chicken is waiting—and once you try it homemade, you might never go back.