Virginia Beach, a vibrant coastal city in southeastern Virginia, is known for its beautiful beaches, bustling boardwalk, and diverse culinary scene. Among the many culinary delights available, Chinese crispy chicken stands out as a favorite for both locals and visitors. This article delves into the various offerings of Chinese crispy chicken in Virginia Beach, exploring different restaurants, recipes, and the cultural significance of this beloved dish.
The Popularity of Chinese Crispy Chicken
Chinese crispy chicken, characterized by its crunchy exterior and juicy interior, has become a staple in many Chinese restaurants across the United States. Its appeal lies in the perfect balance of textures and flavors, often enhanced by a variety of sauces ranging from sweet and tangy to spicy and savory. In Virginia Beach, several restaurants have perfected their versions of this dish, each adding their unique twist to cater to the diverse palate of their customers.
Notable Restaurants in Virginia Beach
China Kitchen
Located at 1830 Kempsville Rd, #105, China Kitchen is a well-known Chinese restaurant in Virginia Beach. They offer a wide array of traditional and contemporary Chinese dishes, including their popular crispy chicken options. The restaurant’s menu features items like Sesame Chicken, General Tso’s Chicken, and Szechuan Chicken, all of which are known for their crispy texture and flavorful sauces. China Kitchen also provides the convenience of online ordering for takeout and delivery, making it easy for customers to enjoy their favorite dishes from the comfort of their homes.
Mei Zhen Chinese Restaurant
Mei Zhen Chinese Restaurant, located in Virginia Beach, offers delicious New York-style Chinese cuisine. Known for its high-quality fresh ingredients and variety of tastes, Mei Zhen is a popular choice for both dine-in and takeout meals. Their crispy chicken dishes, such as Orange Chicken and Sesame Chicken, are particularly well-loved by the local community. The restaurant’s friendly atmosphere and excellent service further enhance the dining experience.
Peking City
Peking City, situated at 1340 North Great Neck Road #1264, is another notable Chinese restaurant in Virginia Beach. They offer a range of crispy chicken dishes, including Sesame Beef and General Tso’s Chicken. Peking City is known for its deep-fried crispy breaded meats, which are a hit among customers looking for that perfect crunch. The restaurant’s convenient location and extended hours make it a popular choice for both lunch and dinner.
No 1 Yummy
No 1 Yummy, located at 5393 Wesleyan Dr #106, is a favorite spot for Chinese food enthusiasts in Virginia Beach. Their menu features a variety of crispy chicken dishes, including the ever-popular Sesame Chicken. No 1 Yummy is known for its quick service and delicious food, making it a go-to place for takeout and delivery. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor has earned it a loyal customer base.
China King
China King, located at 2181 Upton Dr #402, offers a comprehensive menu of Chinese dishes, including several crispy chicken options. Their General Tso’s Chicken and Orange Chicken are particularly popular, known for their crispy texture and flavorful sauces. China King provides online ordering for takeout and delivery, ensuring that customers can enjoy their favorite dishes with ease.
Recipes for Chinese Crispy Chicken
For those who prefer to cook at home, several recipes offer a step-by-step guide to making delicious Chinese crispy chicken. Here are a few notable recipes:
Chinese Crispy Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce
This recipe from Kitchen Sanctuary is a crowd-pleaser, featuring crispy chicken tenders coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk, salt, white pepper, and garlic powder, then coated in a mixture of flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, celery salt, dried thyme, paprika, baking powder, and chili flakes. The chicken is deep-fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a sauce made with vegetable oil, ginger, garlic, red chili, lemongrass paste, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and black pepper. The dish is served with boiled rice, spring onions, sesame seeds, and dried chili flakes.
Chinese Style Fried Chicken
This recipe from Food.com offers a simple yet delicious take on Chinese crispy chicken. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of egg whites and soy sauce, then coated in a combination of flour and cornstarch. The chicken is deep-fried in vegetable or canola oil until golden and crispy. The recipe suggests serving the chicken with a lemon or orange sauce for added flavor.
Chinese Orange Chicken
Modern Honey provides a recipe for Chinese Orange Chicken that rivals any takeout version. The chicken is cut into bite-size pieces, dredged in a mixture of cornstarch and flour, and deep-fried until crispy. The orange sauce is made with orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, red chili flakes, and orange zest. The fried chicken is tossed in the sauce and garnished with green onions and additional orange zest. This dish is both sweet and spicy, offering a delightful balance of flavors.
The Cultural Significance of Fried Chicken
Fried chicken, including its Chinese variations, holds a special place in culinary history. The origins of fried chicken can be traced back to various cultures, each contributing to the dish’s evolution. In the United States, fried chicken is often associated with Southern cuisine, where it became a staple due to its delicious flavor and versatility.
The BBC article on the origins of fried chicken highlights the dish’s complex history, noting that the first widely accepted printed recipe for fried chicken appeared in 1824 in “The Virginia House-Wife,” a regional American cookbook. The article also explores the influence of Scottish and African American culinary traditions on the development of fried chicken in the Southern United States. Enslaved African Americans played a significant role in popularizing fried chicken, using their expertise in seasoning and frying to create a dish that became a centerpiece of Southern cuisine.
Korean Fried Chicken in Virginia Beach
In addition to traditional Chinese crispy chicken, Virginia Beach is also home to several restaurants specializing in Korean fried chicken. This variation is known for its double-frying technique, which results in an exceptionally crispy exterior.
bb.q Chicken
bb.q Chicken offers a variety of Korean fried chicken flavors, including Honey Garlic, Soy Garlic, and Hot Mala. Their chicken is known for being juicy and tender on the inside while maintaining a light and crispy exterior. The restaurant’s unique cooking methods and flavorful sauces have made it a popular choice for fried chicken enthusiasts in Virginia Beach.
Bonchon
Bonchon is another popular spot for Korean fried chicken in Virginia Beach. Their signature chicken is hand-battered, double-fried, and brushed with a variety of sauces. Bonchon’s menu includes flavors like Soy Garlic, Spicy, and Sweet Crunch, each offering a unique taste experience. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor has earned it a loyal following.
92 Chicken
92 Chicken brings a Korean flair to the fried chicken scene in Virginia Beach. They offer three styles of chicken, each with its unique sauce ranging from mild to spicy. The restaurant’s innovative approach to fried chicken and commitment to quality have made it a standout choice for those looking to try something new.
Conclusion
Chinese crispy chicken is a beloved dish in Virginia Beach, with numerous restaurants offering their unique takes on this classic. From traditional Chinese recipes to Korean variations, the city’s culinary scene provides a diverse array of options for fried chicken enthusiasts. Whether dining out or cooking at home, the crispy, flavorful delight of Chinese crispy chicken is sure to satisfy any craving.