Chicken Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)

Discover the simple recipe for Chicken Karaage, a Japanese twist on crispy fried chicken infused with traditional Japanese flavors like umami, sweet, and salty.

Table of Contents:

Understanding Chicken Karaage

Chicken karaage (pronounced “kah-rah-ah-geh”) is a Japanese dish of crispy fried chicken. The term karaage refers to a Japanese cooking method where meat or vegetables are lightly coated with cornflour or potato starch before deep-frying.

The chicken pieces are crispy and golden brown, with a marinade that enhances the flavors of umami, sweet, and salty. While it may not be as crunchy as American fried chicken coated with cornflakes, the magic lies in the marinade. It offers a bite-sized, irresistible piece of chicken.

Chicken karaage can be enjoyed as a family dinner with rice, noodles, or ramen, in a lunch bowl or salad, as a quick snack, or as finger food at a party.

The best part? You can recreate an authentic Japanese fried chicken experience using ingredients readily available at your local supermarket.

👉 If you’re interested in more Asian chicken recipes, check out Bang Bang Chicken with mango salad, healthy chicken broccoli stir-fry, sticky honey chicken cashew, or the super easy, baked honey soy chicken wings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need for this chicken karaage recipe:

• Chicken Thighs: Opt for 1.5 lbs (about 680 g) boneless, skin-on thighs for juicy results. Chicken thighs offer moist and flavorful karaage.
• Cornstarch: Essential for achieving a perfect crispy coating. If you don’t have cornstarch, potato starch or rice flour can work well. Tapioca flour or cassava flour are also suitable alternatives.
• Virgin Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Ideal for frying and healthier than traditional oils like vegetable or canola oil. Virgin olive oil has a smoking point of about 200 C/400 F, while avocado oil’s smoking point is even higher. Ensure the oil temperature stays below 200 C while frying.
• Chicken karaage marinade: Includes fresh ginger and garlic for flavor, soy sauce for depth, cooking sake, and mirin for a sweet and tangy balance. Substitute cooking sake with dry sherry or white wine, and use a mix of white wine and sugar instead of mirin if needed.

Preparing Chicken Karaage

Find the complete list of ingredients, nutritional information, and instructions in the recipe card below. Here are some step-by-step images to guide you through the process.

1. Marinate: Mix grated ginger, crushed garlic, soy sauce, cooking sake, and mirin in a bowl. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Coat: After marinating, coat the chicken pieces evenly with cornstarch. Shake off excess cornstarch.
3. Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a pan, then fry the chicken pieces until golden brown. Ensure the oil temperature stays around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying results.
4. Rest: Place the fried chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and let it rest for a minute to retain juiciness.

Chicken Karaage in Air Fryer

For a healthier option, try making chicken karaage in an air fryer with less oil but the same deliciousness.

1. Follow the initial steps of marinating and coating the chicken pieces with cornstarch.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (about 204°C) before adding the chicken pieces for even cooking and crispy texture.
3. Arrange the coated chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring proper air circulation for an evenly crispy coating. Spray the chicken pieces with olive oil.
4. Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness on all sides.
5. Once done, the chicken should be golden brown and crispy. Let it rest briefly before serving.

Cooking Tips

• Marinate in advance: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to permeate. Overnight marination yields even better results.
• Coat before frying: Coat the chicken pieces just before frying for the crispiest outcome.
• Maintain oil temperature: Keep the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) to ensure proper frying. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
• Batch cooking: Fry the chicken in batches for best results, ensuring each piece cooks evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy chicken karaage hot with sliced cucumbers, lemon wedges, and Japanese mayo. Here are some serving ideas:

• Chicken karaage bowl: Serve over steamed rice with a drizzle of soy sauce or teriyaki for a comforting meal. For a low-carb option, try it with coconut cauliflower rice.
• Chicken karaage ramen: Add crispy chicken pieces to a bowl of ramen for an extra protein boost. Gluten-free readers can opt for rice noodles instead.
• In a salad: Top a salad or veggie bowl with karaage chicken for a crunchy twist.
• With curry: Pair with Japanese curry sauce or vegetable curry for a flavorful meal.

More Japanese-Inspired Recipes

Full Recipe

For the detailed list of ingredients, instructions, and nutritional breakdown, refer to the recipe card below. Feel free to ask any questions or share your cooking experience in the comments. Don’t forget to rate this recipe for others to discover!