This classic chicken feet recipe focuses on creating tender, flavorful feet that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
Why Chicken Feet?
Chicken feet have long been a staple in cuisines worldwide, from dim sum menus in China to hearty broths in the Caribbean. They’re praised for their rich gelatinous texture, subtle flavor, and health benefits. Packed with collagen, they are excellent for improving skin elasticity, joint health, and digestion.
Tips and Tricks
- Prep Work is Key: Cleanliness is vital. Properly washing and trimming the feet ensures a better final dish.
- Blanching for Texture: Don’t skip this step; it improves both the taste and texture by removing impurities.
- Low and Slow: Patience pays off. Simmering on low heat allows the collagen to break down, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Enhance Flavor: Use chicken stock instead of water for an even richer taste.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Chicken Feet: Add chili paste or fresh chilies for a spicy kick.
- Braised Chicken Feet in Black Bean Sauce: Replace oyster sauce with fermented black bean sauce for a savory twist.
- Chicken Feet Soup: Skip the thickening process and enjoy the feet in a nourishing broth with vegetables and noodles.
- Deep-Fried Crispy Chicken Feet: Coat the feet in a batter and deep fry until golden for a crunchy snack.
How to Serve Chicken Feet
Chicken feet are incredibly versatile. They pair well with steamed rice, noodles, or a light salad. For an authentic experience, serve them as part of a dim sum spread alongside dumplings, buns, and tea. They also make an excellent snack with a dipping sauce like chili oil or soy-vinegar.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken feet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Place the feet in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simmer the feet in a bit of sauce on the stovetop. This will prevent them from drying out.
Recipe FAQs
1. Are chicken feet healthy?
Yes! Chicken feet are rich in collagen, which supports skin elasticity, joint health, and digestion. They are also low in fat and high in essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium.
2. How do I make chicken feet more tender?
Cooking them low and slow is the key. Simmering allows the tough connective tissue to break down into a soft, gelatinous texture.
3. Can I use frozen chicken feet?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and clean them well before cooking.
4. Are there vegetarian alternatives?
While there isn’t a direct vegetarian substitute for chicken feet, you can replicate the flavor profile with tofu skin or mushrooms in the same sauce.
Chicken Feet Recipe
This classic chicken feet recipe focuses on creating tender, flavorful feet that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Feet:
- 500g chicken feet (12–15 pieces)
- Oil for deep frying
- Iced water for soaking
- 1 thumb of ginger
- 2 scallions
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
For the Sauce:
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fermented black beans
- 2 Thai chili peppers, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 inch ginger root, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tbsp doubanjiang (optional)
- ½ tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 cup warm water for braising
- ½ tbsp corn starch
Instructions
- Trim off the claws and any dirty parts. Keep them whole or cut into smaller pieces.
- Boil water with scallions, ginger, and Shaoxing wine. Add chicken feet and blanch for 2 minutes.
- Rinse, dry thoroughly, and let them air dry to prevent oil splatter.
- Deep-Fry: Heat oil in a wok and fry chicken feet until deep golden brown (12–18 minutes).
- Air-Fry Alternative: Coat dried feet lightly with oil and air-fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until fully dried.
- Transfer fried chicken feet to iced water and soak for 1 hour.
- Boil soaked chicken feet for 8–12 minutes for a strong tiger-skin texture.
- Sauté fermented black beans, garlic, ginger, and chilies in a small amount of oil. Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar.
- Pour in starch water and let it simmer until thickened.
- Toss the chicken feet in the prepared sauce until fully coated. Serve hot, or re-steam for later batches.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 687Total Fat 45gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 28gCholesterol 210mgSodium 1358mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 52g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Cooking chicken feet at home is a rewarding culinary adventure. Not only do they offer a unique texture and flavor, but they also carry rich cultural significance in many cuisines. Whether you’re braising them in a savory sauce, adding them to soups, or enjoying them crispy-fried, chicken feet are an ingredient worth trying.
Still Hungry! Try these chicken recipes: