Velvet Chicken: Super Moist & Tender
This recipe utilizes the traditional Chinese velveting technique to ensure your boneless chicken thighs are incredibly moist, tender, and flavorful. It's a versatile base for many Asian-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large egg white
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 0.5 tsp sesame oil
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.125 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cooking oil plus extra for spraying
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the egg white, cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
- Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the chicken instead of crisping it.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 155°F (68°C).
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. The internal temperature will continue to rise to a safe 165°F (74°C) due to carryover cooking. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly moist and tender velvet chicken!
Notes
Serve this velvet chicken with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or tossed in your favorite Asian sauce. For extra flavor, add a touch of garlic powder or white pepper to the marinade. If you don't have an air fryer, you can pan-fry the chicken in a tablespoon of oil until golden and cooked through.