This crispy fried chicken is made with a Xinjiang spice mixture popular across Beijing and Northern China. It’s a delicious combination of cumin and chili that compliments meats amazingly well.
Prep Time4 hourshrs
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time4 hourshrs30 minutesmins
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Chinese
Servings: 5
Author: Bill
Ingredients
For the chicken:
10chicken drumsticks
1tablespoonground cumin
1tablespoonchili powder(we used a slightly milder chili powder that’s available here in Beijing. Adjust the spice amounts according to your tolerance level)
Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Transfer to a bowl and add spices, salt, sugar, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine. Use your hands to combine everything together. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
When ready to cook, take the chicken out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Add the cornstarch and flour to the chicken and use your hands to mix everything together evenly.
Prepare your yogurt sauce by simply combining all the ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside. Heat your oil in a small pot or cast iron skillet until it reaches 350 degrees. Fry the chicken in two or three batches for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending upon the size of your drumsticks. If you’re unsure about the doneness, poke a skewer into the thickest part of the drumstick to check if the juices run clear. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels.
Garnish the chicken with chopped cilantro and serve with your yogurt sauce!