Chinese Chicken Balls are a beloved dish that combines crispy, tender chicken with a tangy, sweet sauce that will leave your taste buds craving more. This delicious recipe is a favorite for those who enjoy Chinese takeout but prefer making it from the comfort of their home. The crispy golden coating on the chicken balls and the flavor-packed sweet and sour sauce make them a perfect appetizer or main course for any occasion.
Making Chinese Chicken Balls at home allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking, resulting in a fresher, healthier alternative to store-bought versions. The process involves coating tender pieces of chicken in a light batter, deep-frying them until crispy, and then tossing them in a zesty sweet and sour sauce made with vinegar, sugar, and ketchup.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a party, or simply craving some comfort food, these homemade Chinese Chicken Balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re not just delicious but also fun to make and serve. The crispy chicken balls pair wonderfully with a side of fried rice, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad.
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make this crispy, savory dish that will bring the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant straight to your table.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
This Chinese Chicken Balls recipe will quickly become a favorite for many reasons. Here’s why you’ll love making it:
- Crispy and Tender: The chicken balls have the perfect balance of a crispy, golden coating on the outside and tender, juicy chicken on the inside. The batter ensures the chicken stays moist, and the deep-frying technique locks in the flavors.
- Sweet and Sour Sauce: The homemade sweet and sour sauce is the star of this dish. It’s a simple combination of vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and other seasonings that creates a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. This sauce elevates the chicken balls and gives them a signature taste that’s irresistible.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: While these chicken balls require a little time for frying, they are straightforward to make. The ingredients are common, and the steps are simple, making it a great recipe for both beginners and experienced cooks. Plus, you don’t need to order takeout when you can create this dish in your own kitchen.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce to suit your personal preference. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of chili sauce or sriracha to the sauce mixture. You can also switch up the chicken with shrimp or tofu if you’re looking for variations.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer or making them for a weeknight dinner, Chinese Chicken Balls are versatile. They’re great for family meals, casual gatherings, or even meal prep for the week.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken Balls:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup water
Equipment Used
- Large Mixing Bowl : For mixing the chicken batter and combining the ingredients for the sweet and sour sauce.
- Deep Frying Pan or Wok : Used for deep frying the chicken balls to achieve that golden, crispy texture. A wok is ideal because it allows the oil to heat evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons : For accurately measuring ingredients like flour, cornstarch, sugar, and soy sauce.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon : Essential for safely lowering the chicken into the hot oil and removing them once they’re perfectly crispy without losing their shape.
- Thermometer : To check the oil temperature and ensure it’s around 350°F, which is ideal for frying the chicken balls without them becoming greasy.
- Small Saucepan : For preparing the sweet and sour sauce, allowing it to thicken into a glossy texture.
- Paper Towels : For draining excess oil from the fried chicken balls, keeping them crispy and less greasy.
- Large Serving Bowl : For tossing the fried chicken balls with the sweet and sour sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Balls: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and cold water to create a smooth batter. Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Fry the Chicken Balls: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F), carefully drop the battered chicken pieces into the oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch (if using), and water. Stir until the sauce is smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a glossy sauce.
- Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Once the chicken balls are fried and drained, place them in a large bowl. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Serve: Serve the crispy Chinese chicken balls immediately, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy them with steamed rice or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Information
Chinese Chicken Balls can be a delicious treat, and here’s an estimate of the nutritional content for one serving (about 3-4 pieces of chicken with sauce):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
These chicken balls are a satisfying and flavorful meal, with a good amount of protein. The crispy batter and sweet and sour sauce provide a balance of carbs and fats. However, they are a bit on the higher side for calories and sodium due to the frying and sauce, so enjoy them as an occasional indulgence. For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken balls instead of frying or use a lower-sodium soy sauce.
Variations
- Spicy Chinese Chicken Balls: Add chili paste or sriracha to the sweet and sour sauce to give it a spicy kick. You can adjust the heat level according to your taste.
- Baked Chicken Balls: For a healthier option, bake the battered chicken balls in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or vegetable pieces, using the same batter and sauce for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They are slightly juicier and more flavorful than breasts, so they can add even more tenderness to the chicken balls.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I make the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sweet and sour sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it before tossing with the chicken balls.
Can I freeze the chicken balls?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked chicken balls. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Pro Tips by Emma
- Check the Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying (350°F). Too hot, and the batter will burn; too cool, and the chicken will become greasy.
- Use Cold Water in the Batter: Cold water helps create a crispier batter. Make sure your batter is smooth and lump-free for the best texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken balls in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and affect the crispiness.
- Add Veggies to the Sauce: You can add some bell peppers, onions, or pineapple to the sauce for extra flavor and texture, making it more like a traditional Chinese sweet and sour dish.
Serving Suggestions
Chinese Chicken Balls are perfect when paired with sides like fried rice, steamed broccoli, or a simple cucumber salad to balance out the richness of the dish. For a more traditional Chinese meal, serve them with egg rolls or dumplings to create a full Chinese feast at home.
Crispy Chinese Chicken Balls Recip ewith Sweet and Sour Sauce
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl : For mixing the chicken batter and combining the ingredients for the sweet and sour sauce.
- Deep Frying Pan or Wok : Used for deep frying the chicken balls to achieve that golden, crispy texture. A wok is ideal because it allows the oil to heat evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons : For accurately measuring ingredients like flour, cornstarch, sugar, and soy sauce.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon : Essential for safely lowering the chicken into the hot oil and removing them once they're perfectly crispy without losing their shape.
- Thermometer : To check the oil temperature and ensure it's around 350°F, which is ideal for frying the chicken balls without them becoming greasy.
- Small Saucepan : For preparing the sweet and sour sauce, allowing it to thicken into a glossy texture.
- Paper Towels : For draining excess oil from the fried chicken balls, keeping them crispy and less greasy.
- Large Serving Bowl : For tossing the fried chicken balls with the sweet and sour sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Balls:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Balls: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and cold water to create a smooth batter. Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Fry the Chicken Balls: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F), carefully drop the battered chicken pieces into the oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch (if using), and water. Stir until the sauce is smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a glossy sauce.
- Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Once the chicken balls are fried and drained, place them in a large bowl. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Serve: Serve the crispy Chinese chicken balls immediately, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy them with steamed rice or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.