Ground chicken thigh and fresh shrimp come together in these fried chicken balls, offering a satisfying contrast between a crisp, golden-brown exterior and a tender, juicy center. The addition of tapioca flour gives them a distinct, light chew, while aromatic notes of garlic, shallots, and sesame oil provide a deep, savory foundation that feels both grounded and well-balanced.
The cooking process involves a two-stage fry to ensure a firm, shatter-crisp shell that locks in moisture. Once the balls reach that ideal golden hue, they are best served immediately alongside a zesty, house-made chili dipping sauce. The brightness and tang of the vinegar-based sauce cut right through the richness of the fried protein, making these an excellent choice for a snack or a punchy addition to a casual lunch.
Whether you are looking to master a new technique in your home kitchen or simply want a change of pace from traditional nuggets, this recipe delivers on both texture and depth. Because these hold their crunch well, they make for a great communal appetizer when hosting, providing a satisfying bite that encourages you to go back for just one more.
Read Full StoryIf you enjoy the crispy exterior and tender interior of these chicken balls, you might also like incorporating similar textures into your weeknight meals by trying this creamy pasta with chicken. For those who can't get enough of that classic, savory crunch, this garlic fried chicken offers a robust, aromatic profile that hits all the right notes for a satisfying dinner.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken thigh: High-fat chicken meat provides the core protein and succulent texture for the balls.
- Shrimp: Deshelled shrimp are blended into the meat paste to enhance the savory depth.
- Tapioca flour: Acts as the primary binding agent to achieve the signature chewy texture of the balls.
- Garlic: Used in both the chicken mixture and the sauce to provide a pungent aromatic base.
- Shallots: Blended into the chicken paste to add a sweet and mild onion complexity.
- Sesame oil: Provides a distinct nutty aroma to the chicken mixture.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Helps the chicken balls achieve a light, airy structure during the deep-frying process.
- Long chili: Forms the spicy foundation for the accompanying dipping sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a necessary acidic brightness to balance the spicy and sweet dipping sauce.
Explore More Fried Chicken Favorites
- If you want to take your frying game up a notch, try these crispy fried chicken with bits that add a wonderful, crunchy layer to every bite.
- For a unique textural contrast, this chicken with shredded coconut brings a nutty, savory flavor profile to the plate.
- To experiment with more intense aromatics, our version of classic garlic fried chicken is a staple for anyone who loves punchy, savory appetizers.
Fried Chicken Balls
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Chicken Paste Ingredients
Dipping Sauce
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