Empress Chicken

Empress Chicken is a flavorful and bold Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a rich, tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce. This recipe is a perfect alternative to takeout, bringing restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Empress Chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. It delivers crispy texture, succulent chicken, and a sauce that coats every piece with bold flavor. Great for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, it’s also highly customizable depending on your heat preference.

ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Cornstarch
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Green onions
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Hoisin sauce
• Brown sugar
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Sesame oil
• Water or chicken broth
• Cornstarch slurry (for thickening)

directions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch, then dip them into beaten eggs.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan or wok and fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. In a separate pan or wok, heat a little oil and sauté garlic, ginger, and green onions until fragrant.
5. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and water/chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
7. Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
8. Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over rice or steamed vegetables.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicier: Increase red pepper flakes or add chili garlic sauce.
• Lower sugar version: Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.
• Add vegetables: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added nutrition.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all sauces are gluten-free.
• Air-fried version: Air fry the chicken for a lighter version instead of deep frying.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each. For best texture, avoid microwaving too long, as the chicken may lose crispiness.

FAQs

What is Empress Chicken?

Empress Chicken is a Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken in a sweet, spicy, and savory sauce, similar to General Tso’s or Orange Chicken.

Is Empress Chicken spicy?

Yes, it typically has a mild to moderate heat due to red pepper flakes, but the spice level can be adjusted to taste.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Chicken breast works well and provides a leaner option while still being flavorful.

How do I make this dish healthier?

Use an air fryer instead of deep frying, reduce sugar, and add vegetables to boost nutrition.

What’s the best oil for frying the chicken?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and fry the chicken ahead, but for best texture, toss them together just before serving.

Can I freeze Empress Chicken?

Freezing is not recommended as the fried chicken may become soggy when reheated. Fresh is best.

What can I serve with Empress Chicken?

It pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, especially if you reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to make it less spicy.

How do I thicken the sauce?

A cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) will help thicken the sauce to a glossy, clingy texture.

Conclusion

Empress Chicken is a bold, satisfying dish that’s perfect when you’re craving takeout-style flavors at home. With its crispy texture, rich sauce, and customizable heat, it’s a crowd-pleaser for both casual dinners and special occasions. Give it a try and bring the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your table.

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