Crispy & Juicy Soy Sauce Chicken
Homemade Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe: The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Fried Chicken
With the rising cost of living, chicken prices have skyrocketed, especially for popular cuts like drumettes and wings! Making chicken at home can be incredibly cost-effective, allowing you to enjoy your favorite parts for around $10. This recipe uses common pantry ingredients to create a perfectly balanced sweet and savory soy sauce glaze. The chicken is fried twice to achieve that irresistible crispy exterior and juicy interior. Whether you use drumettes, thighs, or wings, this recipe guarantees a delicious outcome. Perfect for a family dinner, party appetizer, or a satisfying snack!
Main Ingredients- 500g chicken drumettes (or your preferred chicken parts)
- 2 cups milk (approx. 400ml)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Plenty of cooking oil (for deep frying)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter (or margarine)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Parsley flakes, for garnish (optional)
Sweet & Savory Soy Glaze (Tablespoon Measurement)- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- 1 tbsp honey or maltose syrup
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- 1 tbsp honey or maltose syrup
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the 500g of chicken drumettes under cold running water. Place them in a bowl and pour in enough milk (2 cups, approx. 400ml) to fully submerge the chicken. Let it soak for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and removing any gamey odors.
Step 2
In a small bowl, combine all the soy glaze ingredients: 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp mirin, 4 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp corn syrup, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp minced garlic. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set this sauce aside.
Step 3
Remove the chicken drumettes from the milk and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Drain well, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Ensuring the chicken is dry is key to achieving a super crispy coating and preventing oil splatters.
Step 4
Lightly season the dried chicken drumettes with salt and black pepper. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate. This simple step enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
Step 5
Place 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into a resealable plastic bag (like a zip-top bag). This will be used to coat the chicken, helping the glaze adhere better and creating a crispy texture.
Step 6
Add the seasoned chicken drumettes to the bag with the cornstarch. Seal the bag tightly, holding the top securely, and shake well. Ensure the cornstarch evenly coats each piece of chicken with a thin, even layer. Avoid a thick coating, as it can lead to a soggy texture.
Step 7
Pour a generous amount of cooking oil into a deep pan or pot suitable for deep frying. Heat the oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes. You can test the oil temperature by dropping a tiny bit of the cornstarch coating into the oil; if it sizzles and floats immediately, the oil is ready.
Step 8
Carefully add the cornstarch-coated chicken drumettes to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. This first fry focuses on cooking the chicken thoroughly.
Step 9
Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly. The chicken should be cooked through and lightly golden at this stage. Allowing it to cool briefly is part of the secret to achieving that double-fried crispiness.
Step 10
For the second fry, carefully return the cooled chicken drumettes to the hot oil. Fry for another 1-2 minutes until they are deeply golden brown and extra crispy. This second fry is what gives the chicken its signature crunchy texture.
Step 11
While the chicken is undergoing its second fry, melt 1 tablespoon of butter (or margarine) in a clean pan over medium heat. The butter adds a wonderful richness to the sauce.
Step 12
Once the butter is melted, pour all of the prepared soy glaze into the pan. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to burn the sauce.
Step 13
When the sauce starts to bubble and thicken, add the double-fried chicken drumettes to the pan. This is where the chicken will absorb all the delicious glaze.
Step 14
Toss the chicken vigorously in the sauce over low heat to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Stir-fry quickly to coat the chicken thoroughly without making it soggy. This step ensures a glossy finish.
Step 15
Finally, garnish with sesame seeds and/or parsley flakes if desired. Your homemade crispy and juicy soy sauce chicken is ready to be enjoyed!
