Karaage chicken recipe is a classic Japanese fried chicken made by marinating bite-sized chicken thighs in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and seasonings, then coating them in starch before deep frying.
This karaage chicken recipe turns out incredibly delicious, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I made this karaage chicken recipe after watching a street food video filmed in Japan that showed the entire preparation process.
That visual experience inspired me to recreate it. The main specialty of this karaage chicken recipe is its double-frying technique, which gives it extra crunch. I will now begin the step-by-step method.
Why We Love This Recipe?
I love this karaage chicken recipe because it delivers crispy, mouthwatering bites with juicy, tender chicken inside every time.
The marinade is packed with savory flavors that soak right in, and the double-frying technique ensures a perfectly crunchy coating without being greasy.
It’s simple to make but tastes like something from a restaurant, making it a go-to for both quick meals and special occasions. Truly, it’s comfort food that always hits the spot!
How To prepare karaage chicken recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Main dish
Cuisine: Japanese
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Yield: Serves 3–4
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork (for egg and coating)
- Grater (for ginger)
- Knife and chopping board
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Deep frying pan or wok
- Cooking thermometer (optional, for oil temp)
Ingredients
- 600g boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sake or mirin (or use rice wine vinegar as a substitute)
- 1 tbsp sake or rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (optional, for coating)
- 40g cornflour (approx. 1/3 cup)
- Coating mix: equal parts potato starch (or cornstarch) and all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil (or canola/sunflower/rice-bran oil) for deep frying
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, sake/mirin, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil (if using), grated ginger, sugar, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat.
Cover and let marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator (you can skip marinating if short on time, but it’s recommended for flavor).
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix potato starch (or cornstarch) with a bit of all-purpose flour.
Crack the egg into a separate bowl and whisk (if using).
Lightly toss the marinated chicken with cornflour, then dip in egg, and finally coat in the starch/flour mixture.
3. Heat the Oil:
Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or wok to a depth of about 1.5–2 inches.
Heat oil to 170–180°C (340–355°F). Test with a small piece of bread it should sizzle and float.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Fry chicken in small batches for 2–3 minutes per side, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
(Optional) Double-fry: Let chicken rest for 3 minutes, then re-fry for 1 more minute for extra crispiness.
5. Serve:
Serve hot with lemon wedges, shredded cabbage, or Japanese mayo on the side.
Great with rice or in a bento box!
Nutrition Facts Of Karaage Chicken Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
Hot Tips For Making The Best Karaage Chicken Recipe
1. Marinate longer — Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to deepen the flavor.
2. Use potato starch — It creates a lighter, crispier coating than regular flour.
3. Double fry — Fry once at a lower temperature, then again briefly at a higher heat for extra crunch.
4. Keep oil temperature steady — Around 170–180°C (340–355°F) ensures even cooking without burning.
5. Drain well — Use paper towels to remove excess oil for a crisp finish.
How To Make Karaage Chicken Recipe More Delicious?
To make karaage chicken more delicious, marinate the chicken longer to let the flavors fully absorb. Use a mix of soy sauce, sake, garlic, and ginger for a rich, savory taste.
Coating the chicken with potato starch gives a crispier finish than regular flour. Double-frying helps create an extra crunchy texture while keeping the inside juicy.
For a flavor boost, serve it with lemon slices, spicy mayo, or a dipping sauce like ponzu. Small details like these make a big difference in taste.
Serving Suggestions For Karaage Chicken Recipe
1. With Steamed Rice – Serve alongside a bowl of fluffy white rice for a classic Japanese meal.
2. In a Bento Box – Pair with pickles, tamagoyaki, and vegetables for a perfect lunchbox.
3. With Shredded Cabbage – Add a side of finely shredded cabbage and drizzle with tonkatsu or sesame dressing.
4. As a Slider – Tuck pieces into mini buns with lettuce and spicy mayo for karaage sliders.
5. With Dipping Sauce – Serve with ponzu, spicy mayo, or sweet chili sauce for extra flavor.
How Do You Preserve Karaage Chicken Recipe?
To preserve karaage chicken recipe, let it cool completely before storing. Place the pieces in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag to prevent sticking. It can be frozen for up to one month.
To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. Proper storage keeps the flavor and texture intact.
Conclusion
This karaage chicken recipe was easy to make and turned out incredibly delicious. I really enjoyed preparing and eating it, and I’m happy with how simple the process was.
I hope this inspires you to try it yourself. The flavors are rich, the texture is crispy, and it’s a dish worth making. Now it’s your turn to give it a try. Once you’ve made it, let me know how delicious it was and how much you enjoyed the experience.
- Orange Chicken Recipe Panda Express || Delicious - 11/08/2025
- Karahi Chicken Recipe || Spicy Flavors - 07/08/2025
- Karaage Chicken Recipe || Delicious - 06/08/2025