Easy & Delicious Fried Chinese Chicken Balls Recipe

Craving Chinese takeout but want a healthier, homemade version? Look no further! This recipe for easy fried Chinese chicken balls delivers all the crispy, savory goodness you love, without the mystery ingredients or excessive oil. It’s surprisingly simple to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This version focuses on ease and readily available ingredients, while still achieving that classic Chinese chicken ball taste.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for beginner cooks.
* **Quick Dinner:** From prep to plate, you can have these chicken balls ready in under an hour.
* **Healthier Than Takeout:** You control the ingredients and oil used, making it a healthier alternative to restaurant versions.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences with different sauces and seasonings.
* **Kid-Friendly:** These crispy, bite-sized chicken balls are always a hit with kids.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses simple and affordable ingredients.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious chicken balls:

**For the Chicken Balls:**

* 1 pound ground chicken (or ground turkey)
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs recommended for extra crispiness)
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional, but adds authentic flavor)
* Vegetable oil, for frying (canola or peanut oil also work well)

**For the Sweet and Sour Sauce (Optional, but Highly Recommended):**

* 1/2 cup pineapple juice
* 1/4 cup white vinegar
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon ketchup
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
* 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
* 1/2 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
* 1/4 cup pineapple chunks (optional)

## Equipment Needed

* Large mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Shallow dish or plate
* Large skillet or wok
* Tongs
* Paper towels
* Small saucepan

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect fried Chinese chicken balls every time:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture**

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, and white pepper (if using).
2. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken balls tough.

**Step 2: Form the Chicken Balls**

1. Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture at a time and roll it into a ball. You can lightly wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking.
2. Place the formed chicken balls on a shallow dish or plate.
3. Repeat until all the chicken mixture is used.

**Step 3: Fry the Chicken Balls**

1. Pour about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok.
2. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of about 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it; if it sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
3. Carefully add the chicken balls to the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken balls.
4. Fry the chicken balls for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove the chicken balls from the oil with tongs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

**Step 4: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce (Optional)**

1. While the chicken balls are frying, prepare the sweet and sour sauce.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, white vinegar, granulated sugar, soy sauce, and ketchup.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
5. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
6. Continue to simmer the sauce for 1-2 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
7. Add the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and pineapple chunks (if using) to the sauce.
8. Stir to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**

1. Serve the fried chicken balls hot, with the sweet and sour sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
3. Serve with rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes.

## Tips for Perfect Chicken Balls

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the chicken mixture can result in tough chicken balls. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Use Panko Breadcrumbs:** Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter and crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
* **Maintain Oil Temperature:** Keeping the oil at a consistent temperature is crucial for even cooking and crispy chicken balls. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken balls. Fry the chicken balls in batches if necessary.
* **Drain Excess Oil:** Place the fried chicken balls on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the chicken balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry. You can also make the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
* **Reheat Properly:** To reheat, bake the chicken balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a similar result. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Ground Turkey:** Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a leaner option.
* **Different Sauces:** Experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, plum sauce, or hoisin sauce.
* **Spicy Chicken Balls:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the ground chicken with a mixture of finely chopped vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, and water chestnuts.
* **Air Fryer Chicken Balls:** For a healthier option, you can air fry the chicken balls instead of frying them in oil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry the chicken balls for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping them halfway through.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

## Serving Suggestions

These fried Chinese chicken balls are delicious served as a main course with rice or noodles, or as an appetizer at a party. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Rice:** Serve with steamed white rice, brown rice, or fried rice.
* **Noodles:** Serve with lo mein noodles, chow mein noodles, or rice noodles.
* **Vegetables:** Serve with stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and snow peas.
* **Spring Rolls:** Serve with spring rolls or egg rolls for a complete Chinese meal.
* **Appetizer:** Serve as an appetizer with dipping sauces, such as sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, or plum sauce.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, without sauce)

* Calories: Approximately 300-350
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover chicken balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken balls. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as described above.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use ground pork instead of ground chicken?**
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with ground pork. The cooking time and method will remain the same.
* **Can I bake the chicken balls instead of frying them?**
Yes, you can bake the chicken balls. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken balls for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
* **Can I make the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time?**
Yes, you can make the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently before serving.
* **Why are my chicken balls soggy?**
Soggy chicken balls are usually caused by overcrowding the pan or not maintaining a high enough oil temperature. Make sure to fry the chicken balls in batches and use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
* **Can I add other vegetables to the sweet and sour sauce?**
Yes, you can add other vegetables to the sweet and sour sauce, such as onions, carrots, or bell peppers.
* **What can I serve with these chicken balls besides rice and noodles?**
You can serve these chicken balls with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, a salad, or even mashed potatoes.

## Conclusion

These easy fried Chinese chicken balls are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a classic takeout favorite at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have a satisfying and flavorful meal on the table in no time. Whether you serve them with sweet and sour sauce, rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes, these chicken balls are sure to be a hit with the whole family. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a homemade Chinese feast that’s both easy and delicious!