How to Make Salt and Pepper Chicken

The Ultimate Chinese Takeaway Favourite at Home

Salt and pepper chicken is a beloved dish found in countless Chinese takeaways across the UK. Crispy, golden chicken pieces tossed in a savoury seasoning mix with stir-fried chillies, garlic, and spring onions—it’s spicy, crunchy, and utterly irresistible. The best part? You can easily make this restaurant-style treat at home with just a few ingredients and simple steps.

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Why You’ll Love Salt and Pepper Chicken

Whether you’re recreating a fakeaway Friday or just fancy a quick midweek dinner, salt and pepper chicken is perfect. It’s:

Quick to cook

Packed with flavour

Great for sharing

Customisable with different spice levels

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Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

For the chicken:

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks

3 tablespoons cornflour

1 teaspoon Chinese five spice

½ teaspoon white pepper

½ teaspoon salt

Vegetable oil for frying

For the stir-fry mix:

1 small onion, finely sliced

2 spring onions, chopped

1 red chilli, finely sliced (adjust to taste)

1 green chilli, finely sliced

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

½ teaspoon sugar

Extra salt and pepper to taste

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Coating

In a mixing bowl, combine the cornflour, Chinese five spice, salt, and white pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until fully coated. The cornflour helps give that crispy takeaway-style finish.

2. Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or wok—enough to shallow fry the chicken. Heat over medium-high heat until hot (test by dropping in a bit of flour—it should sizzle immediately).

3. Fry the Chicken

Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for around 5-6 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a kitchen towel to drain excess oil.

4. Make the Salt and Pepper Mix

In a separate pan or wok, add 1 tablespoon of oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, onion, chillies, and spring onions. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

5. Combine Everything

Add the fried chicken to the stir-fry pan. Sprinkle with extra salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to enhance the flavour. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until evenly coated.

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Tips for Perfect Salt and Pepper Chicken

Use fresh garlic and chillies for maximum flavour.

Do not overcook the garlic or it will turn bitter.

For extra crunch, double-fry the chicken: fry once until golden, rest, then fry again for 1-2 minutes.

Want it spicy? Add extra chillies or even a pinch of chilli flakes.

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Serving Suggestions

Salt and pepper chicken is best served hot and crispy. Try it with:

Egg fried rice or boiled rice

Chow mein noodles

Sweet chilli dipping sauce

A side of prawn crackers for that full takeaway vibe

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Storage & Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness—microwaving may leave the chicken soggy.

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SEO Keywords to Target

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Including these keywords in your cooking blog or food site will help improve visibility on search engines, especially for UK-based readers looking for classic takeaway recipes they can recreate at home.

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Final Thoughts

Salt and pepper chicken is one of those dishes that hits the spot every single time. With its crispy texture and bold, addictive flavours, it’s no surprise this Chinese takeaway classic has become a British favourite. Once you master this easy homemade recipe, you’ll never need to rely on delivery again.

So next time you’re craving that familiar crunch and spice, grab your ingredients, follow the steps above, and enjoy your own salt and pepper chicken from the comfort of your kitchen!

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.

Happy cooking—and don’t forget to share your dish on social media with #SaltAndPepperChickenUK!