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    Chicken Tempura With The Best Crispy and Fluffy Tempura Batter

    by Joe Duff 56 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    This chicken tempura recipe combines flavorful seasoned chicken in a crispy and fluffy tempura batter. It is such a delicious dinner, and you won't believe how easy this recipe is to make. In fact, the entire thing comes together in only 20 minutes! 

    A bowl of lettuce with chicken tempura on it. The bowl is on a wooden mat along with a bowl of soy sauce and a bowl of coleslaw.

    THE BEST CHICKEN TEMPURA 

    If you've never made tempura chicken at home, you're in for one of the best chicken recipes there is. 

    This classic Japanese chicken recipe is comparable to chicken fingers, but the breading is lighter and has more of a crunch.

    And this recipe uses marinated chicken to elevate the overall flavor and take it to another new level. 

    Along with being insanely tasty, the tempura that coats each flavorful piece of chicken is super easy to make. And the process used in this recipe will ensure that each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in crispy, crunchy, tender deliciousness. 

    Oh, and if you want the ultimate Japanese dish, make this instant pot sushi rice to go with the chicken.

    Now, let's get into what we will be using to make this chicken tempura recipe.

    A bowl filled with chicken tempura on top of lettuce leaves.

    INGREDIENTS 

    Ok, so you will need some pretty basic ingredients to make this recipe. 

    The only one you may not have on hand already is the cake flour - it makes the tempura extra crispy because it has less gluten. But you could also use all-purpose flour and the recipe will turn out - the breading just won't be as crispy.

    Anyways, here is what you'll need for the chicken:

    • 1 large skinless chicken breast
    • ½ tsp minced ginger
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • Freshly ground black pepper
    • ¼ tsp sea salt
    • 1 tbsp soy sauce

    And for the tempura batter:

    • 1 large egg 
    • ⅓ cup cake flour 
    • ⅓ cup potato starch or cornstarch 
    • ⅓ cup cold water
    • 3 cups oil for frying

    By the way, you can use almost all of the chicken marinade ingredients to make this chicken stir-fry. So I highly suggest putting them to good use and making that recipe next!

    Also, if you have any leftover chicken give this copycat Cheesecake Factory Thai Coconut Lime Chicken recipe a try too. It's another really, REALLY tasty chicken recipe.

    Chicken tempura on lettuce in a bowl on a straw place mat.

    HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN TEMPURA 

    So, as I mentioned earlier, the process of making this recipe is pretty simple. 

    All you really need to do is marinate the chicken, make the tempura batter, then combine the two and fry up your chicken tempura. It's similar the process of making this fried squash.

    Now let's not waste any more time and get to it!

    STEP 1: MARINATING THE CHICKEN 

    The first thing you will do is pound your chicken breast with a meat tenderizer to thin it out. Then cut your chicken into roughly 1 inch wide and 3 inch long strips. 

    Next, put your ginger, garlic, ground pepper, salt, and soy sauce in a small bowl and give them a little mix. 

    Then put your chicken in a zip-loc bag or airtight container, add your marinade to it and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

    While your chicken is marinating, you can make the tempura batter. 

    STEP 2: MAKING THE TEMPURA BATTER

    First, fill a large bowl with ice and water, and place a medium-sized bowl in it. 

    Then add your egg into the medium bowl and whisk until the yolk and white are combined. 

    Next, sift all of your cake flour and cornstarch into the bowl with the whisked egg. 

    Then gradually add in the ⅓ cup of cold water and mix everything in the bowl until just combined and a batter has formed. Make sure you do not over mix the batter - stop mixing once a batter just forms!

    STEP 3: FRYING YOUR CHICKEN 

    Ok, so by now, you should have your marinated chicken and tempura batter ready to go. 

    First, add all of your chicken pieces to the bowl of batter and thoroughly coat the chicken in the batter. 

    Next, add your cups of oil to a medium-sized pot (or deep fryer) and heat the oil to 350°F (180°C). 

    Then once your oil is heated, add 2-3 pieces of battered chicken to the pot at a time. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side until the outside is crispy. 

    Serve your chicken tempura with a side of soy sauce and some shredded cabbage, and dig in!

    Chicken tempura on top of lettuce in a bowl on a straw placmate on a grey counter.

    HOW TO STORE YOUR CHICKEN TEMPURA

    So, this recipe makes 2 servings - perfect for a dinner for one or two. But if you need to feed the whole family, you can easily double or triple this recipe!

    Then if you have some leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. 

    And to reheat your tempura, preheat your oven to 425°F and spread the pieces out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 

    Then bake for 3 minutes, turn your chicken pieces over, and bake for about another 3 minutes. 

    Or you could also reheat in the air fryer at 350°F. Just make sure there is space between each piece of chicken and fry for 3 minutes, then flip and fry for another 3 minutes. 

    A bunch of pieces of chicken tempura in a bowl.

    WRAPPING IT ALL UP 

    That is how you make the most delicious tempura chicken right in your kitchen. 

    I don't think you'll find a better one-two punch than this chicken marinade and the tempura batter for the chicken. The marinade has all the authentic Japanese chicken flavors, and the tempura is so crispy, crunchy, and fluffy.

    It seriously is a combination that you just can't get with any other recipe, and everyone who tries this always loves it. 

    Well, I hope you enjoy this chicken tempura as much as I do. If you make it, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. I'd love to hear from you! 

    Several pieces of chicken tempura on top of lettuce in a bowl. There is a small bowl of soy sauce behind it and part of a bowl of cabbge.

    MORE CHICKEN RECIPES

    If you liked this recipe, I have some more chicken recipes on the blog that I think you'll enjoy too.

    Try out one of these recipes next:

    • Empress Chicken
    • Chicken Bryan
    • Spicy Southwest Salad
    • Chicken Tocino
    • Chicken Fricassee
    • Blackened Chicken
    • Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
    Print

    Chicken Tempura With The Best Tempura Batter

    A wooden bowl filled with chicken tempura on top of lettuce leaves. Part of a small bowl of soy sauce and part of a small bowl of shredded cabbage is behind it.
    Print Recipe

    ★★★★★

    5 from 56 reviews

    This chicken tempura combines flavorful seasoned chicken in a crispy and fluffy tempura batter. It is such a delicious dinner, and you won't believe how easy this recipe is to make. Plus, the entire thing takes only 20 minutes! 

    • Author: Joe Duff
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 5 minutes
    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: 3 servings 1x
    • Category: Dinner
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: Japanese

    Ingredients

    Scale

    Chicken marinade:

    1 large skinless chicken breast (about 125g)

    ½ tsp minced ginger

    1 clove garlic, minced

    Freshly ground black pepper

    ¼ tsp sea salt

    1 tbsp soy sauce

    Tempura batter:

    1 large egg 

    ⅓ cup (45g) cake flour 

    ⅓ cup (50g) cornstarch or potato starch 

    ⅓ cup cold water

    3 cups oil for frying

    Instructions

    1. Pound the chicken breast with a meat tenderizer to thin out. Cut into roughly 1 inch wide and 3 inch long strips.
    2. Mix the black pepper, salt, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl. Pour into zip-loc bag or airtight container and add chicken. Marinate for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, make the tempura batter.
    3. Fill a large bowl with ice and water, then place a medium bowl in it. Add 1 egg to the medium bowl and whisk well.
    4. Sift the ⅓ cup cake flour and ⅓ cup cornstarch into the bowl with the egg.
    5. Gradually add in the ⅓ cup cold water and mix everything until just combined and a batter forms.
    6. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl a few at a time and coat well with the batter.
    7. Heat oil to 350ºF (180°C) in a medium-sized pot (or deep fryer).
    8. Add in only 2-3 pieces of battered chicken at a time. Fry until crispy on the outside, about 2 minutes on each side.

    Notes

    The scale up function does not change the gram measurements.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 287
    • Fat: 3.5
    • Carbohydrates: 37.5
    • Fiber: 0.5
    • Protein: 24.5

    Keywords: chicken tempura, chicken tempura recipe, tempura chicken, tempura chicken recipe, how to make chicken tempura, tempura batter, tempura batter for chicken, how to make tempura batter, tempura chicken nuggets recipe, tempura chicken batter recipe, tempura chicken breast, chicken tempura batter, chicken breast in tempura batter, japanese chicken recipes, japanese chicken tempura, japanese chicken tempura recipe, light tempura batter for chicken

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Reilly

      July 06, 2021 at 1:53 pm

      Loved this!! I thought tempura would be tough to make but this was easy. Delicious recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Kimmie

      August 11, 2021 at 4:51 pm

      This tempura was great. Crunchy and good flavor. I dipped it in general tso sauce.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Sid

      August 13, 2021 at 7:05 pm

      The coating on the chicken is like nothing I have ever had before. Absolutely delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. David

      August 19, 2021 at 4:58 pm

      It was better than the one I usually order for take out no joke. Very good.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Sue Lee

      August 25, 2021 at 3:42 pm

      I love ordering chicken tempura and this chicken tempura recipe was pretty close to the one I order. I liked the flavor a lot.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Mary

      September 10, 2021 at 4:33 pm

      wow these actually are like better chicken fingers. Delish!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    7. Jenny

      October 04, 2021 at 4:19 pm

      This tempura was amazing!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    8. Evelyn

      October 08, 2021 at 1:53 pm

      Super delicious chicken recipe! Crispy, light, and it was easy to put together.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. Margaret

      October 09, 2021 at 9:41 pm

      Crazy good chicken tempura! Thanks 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    10. Grace

      October 14, 2021 at 7:08 pm

      This was so good my kids liked it better than chicken fingers!!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    11. Keith

      October 16, 2021 at 10:16 pm

      The best homemade chicken tempura my wife and I have made.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    12. Smitty

      October 17, 2021 at 6:15 pm

      5/5

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    13. Shannon

      October 18, 2021 at 11:13 am

      I had the chicken with some broccoli and a little soy sauce. It was a very delicious meal that I will be making again.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    14. Lolita

      October 20, 2021 at 1:20 pm

      This one is the best tempura recipe that you can make. I've breaded shrimp, chicken, and veggies in the tempura batter and they all turn out perfect!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    15. Aggie Perlini

      October 22, 2021 at 4:18 pm

      Tempura breading stayed on chicken well. I would make this recipe again.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    16. Chris

      October 25, 2021 at 6:46 pm

      best recipe i have made that i usually order for takeout

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    17. Fred

      October 25, 2021 at 10:27 pm

      Yuuuuuuuumy

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    18. Thomas

      October 26, 2021 at 6:52 pm

      Holy smokes this was good. I plan on making it a bunch.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    19. Kiana

      October 27, 2021 at 7:06 pm

      I would give this ten stars if I could. Great tempura!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    20. Hailey

      October 28, 2021 at 5:48 pm

      I put the tempura on chicken and shrimp, delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    21. Robert

      October 30, 2021 at 6:11 pm

      It came out better than I anticipated. I made tempura before and it wasn't great. This is a good recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    22. Ricky

      October 30, 2021 at 9:39 pm

      This was the first time I’ve made chicken tempura at home, but it def. won’t be my last.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    23. Alex

      November 01, 2021 at 6:48 pm

      Love love love this recipe!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    24. Maureen

      November 01, 2021 at 8:42 pm

      Yuuuum.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    25. Amanda

      November 02, 2021 at 7:01 pm

      My sons loved this and they're super picky eaters!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    26. Justine

      November 04, 2021 at 7:41 pm

      This is as crispy as it gets for tempura! Loved.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    27. Salvatore

      November 05, 2021 at 9:14 am

      This is better every time I make it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    28. Jocelyn

      November 06, 2021 at 3:24 pm

      The chicken tempura was excellent.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    29. Cleo

      November 08, 2021 at 6:31 pm

      I could eat this ever single night the breading is so darn good!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    30. Charlotte

      November 09, 2021 at 2:23 pm

      A delightful chicken recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    31. Edith

      November 09, 2021 at 9:38 pm

      Loved this tempura.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    32. Tammy

      November 10, 2021 at 8:46 am

      Had it with a side of rice and edamame and the meal was one of my favorites!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    33. Ben

      November 10, 2021 at 9:39 pm

      Devoured this chicken tempura 2 nights in a row.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    34. Jenny

      November 11, 2021 at 7:31 am

      I put the chicken in a salad with an asian sesame dressing. One of my favorite meals I've had in along time!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    35. Jason

      November 12, 2021 at 9:53 am

      Has to be my favorite chicken recipe that I have made in a while.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    36. Ken L.

      November 13, 2021 at 1:10 pm

      Excellent tempura breading and the chicken marinade is well done.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    37. Joel

      November 16, 2021 at 8:21 pm

      The crunch the breading has is unbelievable.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    38. Maddy

      November 18, 2021 at 9:03 am

      My kids really liked this tempura and it is an easy recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    39. Michelle

      November 23, 2021 at 9:29 pm

      This was delicious!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    40. Stanley

      November 26, 2021 at 5:06 pm

      Grabbed some sweet and sour sauce from the store and dipped this in it. My favorite meal I have had in a long time.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    41. Giovanni

      November 27, 2021 at 7:27 pm

      Loved the texture of the breading. Stayed t on the chicken too.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    42. Troy

      November 28, 2021 at 10:20 pm

      Very tasty tempura!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    43. Kimmie

      November 29, 2021 at 9:59 am

      Was just like the one I get for take out. Very good!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    44. Maya

      November 30, 2021 at 3:36 pm

      Really was like chicken fingers but a more satisfying breading.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    45. Sasha

      December 01, 2021 at 4:18 pm

      New fav chicken recipe

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    46. Kevin

      December 04, 2021 at 5:39 pm

      Crisp af

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    47. Kellen

      December 11, 2021 at 4:19 pm

      Very tasty crispy chicken recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    48. Chris

      December 13, 2021 at 10:02 pm

      Tender, juicy and super flavorful! My wife enjoyed it as well.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    49. Jojo

      December 15, 2021 at 4:56 pm

      very yum

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    50. JP

      December 20, 2021 at 6:32 pm

      I love this recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    51. Al

      January 06, 2022 at 9:12 pm

      magnificent.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    52. Randy

      January 19, 2022 at 8:21 pm

      This is a recipe that I have made very frequently since finding it. I suggest making it to anyone who likes chicken.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    53. Penny

      January 25, 2022 at 1:03 pm

      Legit tempura.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    54. Lisa

      February 17, 2022 at 3:23 pm

      I dipped it in sweet and sour sauce and it was heavenly!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    55. Devin

      March 01, 2022 at 9:45 am

      The tempura was exceptional. Very good recipe.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    56. Emma

      March 29, 2022 at 10:57 pm

      best Eva baby

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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