Empress Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Empress Chicken is a bold and flavorful Chinese-American dish known for its crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce. It delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness with a sticky glaze that clings to every bite. Often served with rice or steamed vegetables, this takeout-style favorite is easy to recreate at home and will impress anyone who loves bold, saucy chicken dishes.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless chicken thighs or breast cornstarchsoy sauceeggsvegetable oilgarlicgingergreen onionsdried red chiliesrice vinegarhoisin sauceketchupbrown sugarsesame oilsalt and pepper

directions

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.

In a bowl, whisk eggs and add cornstarch to form a light batter. Coat the chicken pieces evenly.

Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

In a separate pan, heat a bit of oil and sauté minced garlic, grated ginger, and dried red chilies until fragrant.

Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of sesame oil. Stir and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.

Return the fried chicken to the pan and toss until all pieces are evenly coated in the sauce.

Top with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add broccoli or bell peppers for extra veggies and color.

Use honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.

Adjust the amount of dried chilies to make it more or less spicy.

Try air-frying the chicken for a lighter version.

Swap hoisin sauce with oyster sauce for a different depth of flavor.

storage/reheating

Store Empress Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best texture, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

FAQs

What makes Empress Chicken different from General Tso’s?

Empress Chicken tends to be spicier and slightly tangier, with a thinner sauce.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway.

Is Empress Chicken gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make it gluten-free.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful.

How spicy is this dish?

Moderately spicy—adjust the amount of dried chilies to your preference.

What sides go well with Empress Chicken?

Steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables are great choices.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, store the sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Why is my chicken soggy after frying?

Make sure the oil is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pan.

Can I use fresh chilies instead of dried?

Yes, but dried chilies add a more traditional heat and aroma.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

You can reduce the spice to make it more suitable for kids.

Conclusion

Empress Chicken is a saucy, spicy, and satisfying dish that brings bold Chinese-American flavors to your dinner table. Whether you’re craving takeout-style comfort or planning a flavorful weeknight meal, this crispy and saucy chicken recipe is a guaranteed hit. Give it a try and enjoy restaurant-style taste right at home.

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