Barberton Chicken with a Henan Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we infuse the original Barberton Chicken recipe with the distinct flavors of Henan cuisine. The marinade incorporates traditional Henan spices such as garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices, adding a unique twist to the dish. The cooking technique remains the same, with the chicken being deep-fried to achieve the signature crispy texture. The result is a fusion dish that combines the best of both American and Henan culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Barberton Chicken, so you can check it out.

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, five-spice powder, crushed Sichuan peppercorns, salt, and white pepper.
2. 2.
   Rub the chicken thighs with the spice mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch together.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Dredge each marinated chicken thigh in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
6. 6.
   Carefully place the chicken thighs in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 10-12 minutes per side.
7. 7.
   Remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
8. 8.
   Serve the Crispy Henan-Style Barberton Chicken hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs dry before marinating them. This will help the skin crisp up during frying.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
• Serve the Crispy Henan-Style Barberton Chicken with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• If you prefer boneless chicken, you can use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast instead.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Henan-Style Barberton Chicken hot as a main dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Henan-Style Barberton Chicken on a platter, allowing the golden brown color and crispy texture to shine. Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed Sichuan peppercorns and a few slices of fresh ginger for an added visual appeal.