This easy, cheap, and delicious chicken recipe is perfect for surprising your family and friends. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Parsley to taste
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 50 milliliters water
- Breadcrumbs for breading
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice the Chicken: Begin by cutting the two chicken breasts into slices. Make sure they are even so they cook uniformly. Place the slices into a container to make it easier to mix with other ingredients.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
- Add Soy Sauce and Garlic: Pour two tablespoons of soy sauce over the chicken slices. Add two minced cloves of garlic. Mix these ingredients well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle one teaspoon of chili flakes and one teaspoon of salt over the chicken. Add parsley to taste. Stir again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Add Cornstarch and Water: Add four tablespoons of cornstarch and 50 milliliters of water to the container. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is well-coated with the cornstarch mixture.
3. Bread the Chicken:
- Prepare Breadcrumbs: In a separate container, add enough breadcrumbs for breading the chicken slices.
- Bread the Chicken: Take each piece of chicken and coat it evenly with breadcrumbs. Ensure each slice is fully covered for a crispy finish.
4. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat the Oil: In a pan, pour enough oil to cover the chicken slices when frying. Heat the oil over medium heat.
- Fry the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken slices to the pan. Fry until golden brown on one side, then flip to cook the other side. Ensure each piece is cooked through and has a crispy exterior.
- Drain the Chicken: Remove the fried chicken slices and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Serve the Chicken:
- Presentation: Arrange the crispy chicken slices on a serving platter. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the chicken with your favorite sauce or side dish. It pairs well with a simple salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for the Best Results:
- Even Slices: Cutting the chicken into even slices ensures uniform cooking. This helps prevent some pieces from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
- Marinating Time: Letting the chicken sit in the marinade for a few minutes can enhance the flavors, making the dish even more delicious.
- Crispy Coating: Make sure each chicken slice is well-coated with breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick well during frying.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil at a consistent medium heat. If the oil is too hot, the chicken can burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Variations:
- Spicy Twist: For those who love a bit of heat, add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate different herbs like thyme or rosemary into the breadcrumb mixture for a unique flavor.
- Cheese Addition: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for a cheesy crust.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Simple Ingredients: The ingredients used are common and affordable, making this recipe budget-friendly.
- Quick Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can prepare this dish in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Flavor: The soy sauce and garlic marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavors, while the chili flakes add a subtle kick. The breadcrumb coating gives a delightful crunch.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a great way to enjoy chicken in a new, exciting way.
Final Thoughts:
This easy, cheap, and delicious chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a flavorful dish to their repertoire. The combination of tender chicken, a savory marinade, and a crispy breadcrumb coating makes it irresistible. Plus, the flexibility to tweak the recipe to your liking means you can make it your own. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your household. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!
