Crispy, golden, and irresistibly light—Chicken Tempura is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary meal into something you’ll be dreaming about for days. It’s the ultimate comfort food, Japanese-style, with juicy, tender chicken wrapped in the crunchiest, airiest batter imaginable. Whether you’re dipping it in soy sauce, sweet chili, or just savoring it straight from the fryer, trust me, you’re going to love this.
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There’s something magical about biting into a piece of perfectly fried tempura—light as air on the outside, moist and flavorful on the inside. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but is secretly super simple. Perfect for when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Tempura
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Chicken Tempura
Here’s the secret to that airy, crisp texture—it’s all about a simple batter and quality ingredients. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: The juicy base. Thighs offer richer flavor, while breasts give you that lean bite—your call! Cut into thin strips for the best texture.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our crispy coating. It adds just enough structure without making the batter heavy.
Cornstarch: This is what gives the batter that light, shattery crispness. Don’t skip it—it’s a game-changer.
Baking Powder: Adds a bit of lift to the batter for extra fluff and crunch.
Ice-Cold Water or Soda Water: Yep, cold is key! It slows gluten formation, helping you get that signature tempura texture—light, airy, and crisp.
Egg: Just a single egg binds everything together and gives the batter a little richness.
Salt & Pepper: To enhance and balance all the savory flavors. Simple but essential.
Oil for Frying: Go for something neutral like vegetable or canola oil. You want high heat without overpowering flavors.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your frying oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is key for crispy, non-greasy results.
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the ice-cold water or soda water. Then gently mix the wet into the dry—don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay. That’s part of what makes the tempura so light.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Set up your frying station with a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate nearby. This helps drain excess oil and keeps things crispy.
Assemble the Dish: Dip your chicken strips into the batter, letting any excess drip off. Carefully lower them into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.
Cook to Perfection: Fry for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The batter should puff up slightly and turn a beautiful light golden hue.
Finishing Touches: Remove the chicken pieces with a slotted spoon and transfer them to your prepared rack or plate. Let them rest for a minute while the batter settles.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauces—sweet chili, soy sauce, spicy mayo, or even a squeeze of lemon. However you serve it, it’s going to disappear fast!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 410
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Chicken Tempura
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with sesame dressing balances the richness perfectly. Think arugula, cucumbers, and shredded carrots.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or a side of rice for a satisfying, full meal.
Creamy Accompaniments: A drizzle of spicy mayo or a cool, tangy yogurt dip brings extra personality to your plate.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted or stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, green beans, or broccoli make this meal feel complete.
As a Standalone: Sometimes it’s best kept simple. A pile of chicken tempura with lemon wedges and dipping sauces? Pure heaven.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Cut the chicken and mix dry ingredients the night before to speed things up.
Spice It Up: Add garlic powder, chili flakes, or a dash of curry powder to the batter for a flavor twist.
Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free flour and tamari for a gluten-free version. Want it dairy-free? You’re good—no milk involved here.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep that crispy edge.
Double the Batch: Planning a party or want leftovers? Double it! It freezes well—just separate layers with parchment paper and reheat from frozen.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute chicken with shrimp or veggies?
A1: Absolutely! Shrimp tempura is amazing, and veggies like sweet potato, zucchini, or mushrooms work beautifully too.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, fry the chicken ahead and reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Cool completely, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag. Reheat from frozen at 375°F until crispy.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed and crispy—avoid the microwave if possible!
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Totally! Just fry in batches so the oil temp stays consistent.
Q7: What oil is best for frying?
A7: Go for neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or sunflower with a high smoke point.
Q8: How do I make the batter extra light?
A8: Keep the water ice-cold and don’t overmix. A few lumps are totally fine!
Q9: Can I bake it instead of frying?
A9: It won’t be the same, but yes—use an air fryer or bake at 425°F until crispy.
Q10: What sauce goes best with this?
A10: Soy sauce, ponzu, sweet chili, spicy mayo… or make a quick dipping sauce with soy, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Chicken Tempura is one of those dishes that brings joy with every bite—light, crispy, flavorful, and just downright fun to eat. Whether you’re serving it up for guests or treating yourself to a delicious homemade meal, it never disappoints. Give it a try and let it become one of your go-to favorites. You deserve meals that make you happy—and this one’s a winner every time.
Print
Chicken Tempura
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
Chicken Tempura is a crispy, light, and flavorful dish where marinated strips of chicken are coated in a light batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. It’s a delightful Japanese-inspired dish that’s perfect for serving as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3 small or 2 large), divided
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sake
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 (1/2-inch) piece ginger
- 4 cups neutral oil (such as canola) for frying
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup potato starch or cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cold seltzer water or ice water
Instructions
- Place 1 chicken breast inside a zip-top bag, press out air, and seal. Pound the chicken to about 1/2-inch thick using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts. Cut chicken into 3/4-inch strips.
- In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, sake, salt, sugar, grated garlic, and ginger. Add chicken strips and toss to coat. Marinate for 1 hour at room temperature, or up to 6 hours in the refrigerator.
- Heat oil in a pot or wok to 360°F. Meanwhile, whisk together flour and potato starch in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk egg and seltzer or ice water until combined. Pour egg mixture into flour mixture and stir until just combined; the batter should be thin with lumps.
- Line a plate with paper towels or set a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Dip chicken strips in the batter and fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels or wire rack to drain.
- Repeat frying with the remaining chicken. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Serve with a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or tempura sauce, for added flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter batter, use ice-cold water to achieve a crispier texture.
- Be sure to maintain oil temperature around 350°F to ensure a crisp finish without greasy chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 3-4 pieces)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg