Quick Chinese Chicken Thighs

This succulent air fryer chicken has become my weeknight dinner hero, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The sweet-savory marinade creates a beautiful glaze while the air fryer ensures perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat in just minutes.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy work week when I needed something quick but didn't want to sacrifice flavor. My family now requests it weekly, especially my teenage son who claims it's better than takeout.

Ingredients

• 1 lb skin on bone in chicken thighs: the star of the dish that stays incredibly juicy with air frying
• Red fermented bean curd: provides the distinctive umami foundation look for it in Asian grocery stores
• Hoisin sauce: adds sweetness and complexity essential for that authentic Chinese flavor
• Brown sugar: either light or dark works to create caramelization on the chicken
• Regular soy sauce: brings the salt element and depth of flavor use a good quality brand
• Honey or maple syrup: creates that beautiful sticky glaze choose honey for a more traditional flavor
• Shaoxing wine: adds complexity substitutable with dry sherry or chicken broth
• Chinese five spice: the secret aromatic blend that makes this dish truly special
• Additional honey, hoisin, and bean curd: for the basting sauce which creates the final glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:

Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl using a fork to smash the red fermented bean curd until relatively smooth. This mixture creates the flavor foundation so ensure everything is well incorporated.

Prepare the Chicken:

Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Carefully debone by making small sharp slits around the bone while keeping the skin intact. This allows for quicker cooking while maintaining the juiciness that skin on chicken provides.

Marinate Thoroughly:

Submerge the deboned thighs completely in the marinade making sure all surfaces are covered. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes though overnight marination yields the most flavorful results as it allows the chicken to fully absorb all those complex flavors.

Make Basting Sauce:

Combine the basting sauce ingredients in a small bowl completely breaking down the fermented bean curd. This concentrated sauce adds that final flavor punch and helps create the gorgeous glossy finish that makes this dish so appetizing.

Air Fry to Perfection:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and lightly coat the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken pieces skin side up in a single layer without crowding. Brush generously with the basting sauce and cook for 9 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The hot circulating air creates a beautiful crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

Rest and Serve:

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking which lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Slice against the grain and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

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The red fermented bean curd is truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I was initially skeptical about its strong aroma but discovered it transforms completely during cooking, creating a depth of flavor that simply cannot be replicated with substitutes. My daughter who typically avoids trying new ingredients now specifically asks if I used enough bean curd whenever I make this dish.

Oven Baking Option

If you don't have an air fryer, this chicken turns out wonderfully in a conventional oven. Preheat to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken skin side up, brush with the basting sauce, and bake for 20 23 minutes. The slightly longer cooking time allows the marinade to caramelize beautifully, though you might not achieve quite the same crispy skin as the air fryer version.

Make It A Complete Meal

This chicken pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice which soaks up the delicious sauce. For vegetables, consider quick stir fried bok choy or broccoli with just a bit of garlic and ginger. The simplicity of the sides allows the chicken to remain the star while creating a balanced plate. For a lower carb option, serve with cauliflower rice seasoned with a touch of sesame oil.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find red fermented bean curd, you can substitute with 2 tablespoons of white miso paste mixed with 1 teaspoon of tomato paste. The flavor won't be identical but will provide a similar umami richness. For a gluten free version, replace regular soy sauce with tamari and check that your hoisin sauce is gluten free. The Shaoxing wine can be omitted entirely if needed, though it does add a certain authenticity to the final flavor.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What is red fermented bean curd and where can I find it?

Red fermented bean curd is a Chinese condiment made from soybeans fermented with red yeast rice, giving it a distinctive color and umami flavor. You can find it in Asian grocery stores, international food sections of larger supermarkets, or online specialty food retailers. It comes in small cubes packed in brine in glass jars.

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time as breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily. For best results with breasts, reduce the air fryer temperature to 360°F and cook for 7-8 minutes, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F. The flavor profile will be slightly different as thighs offer more richness.

→ Is it necessary to debone the chicken thighs?

Deboning helps the chicken cook more evenly and makes it easier to eat, but it's not absolutely necessary. If you prefer to leave the bone in, increase the cooking time by about 3-5 minutes and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

→ What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?

If you don't have Shaoxing wine, you can use dry sherry as mentioned in the recipe. For a non-alcoholic alternative, use chicken broth or stock, though this will result in a slightly less complex flavor. Rice vinegar mixed with a pinch of sugar can also work in a pinch.

→ What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

This Chinese-style chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or broccoli, or simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing. For a complete meal, consider serving with scallion pancakes, vegetable spring rolls, or a light soup like egg drop or hot and sour.

→ How long can I store the leftover cooked chicken?

Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain the crispy skin, or microwave on medium power with a damp paper towel cover to retain moisture.