Crispy Chicken Skin - Chicharon: The Ultimate Filipino Snack

  

Chicharon: The Ultimate Filipino Snack

One of the favorite snacks in the Philippines is Chicharon. Some say it is the "Pambansang Junk Food ng Pinas," and it's easy to see why. Chicharon is more than just a snack; it's a cultural icon, beloved by Filipinos of all ages. Its addictive crunch and savory flavor make it a staple at family gatherings, parties, and even as a casual street food. The diversity of chicharon varieties adds to its appeal, offering something for every palate. When we think of chicharon, what usually comes to mind is Chicharon Baboy (fried pork rinds or balat ng baboy in Tagalog). But there are also other popular variations like Chicharon Bulaklak, Chicharon Balat ng Baka, Chicharon Mushroom, Chicharon Bituka ng Manok, Kropek, and one of my favorites, Chicken Skin Chicharon.

Chicken Skin Chicharon is one of the street foods you'll often see here in the Philippines. It's not just a snack; it's an experience that captures the essence of Filipino street food culture. Vendors can be found frying up fresh batches of chicken skin, enticing passersby with the tantalizing aroma of sizzling fat and spices. Once you take a bite, you can't stop eating it. The crispy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors make it an irresistible snack that pairs perfectly with a cold drink on a hot day. I love eating this chicharon with "bahaw" (a bowl of steamed cold rice or leftover rice) with a vinegar dipping sauce (sukang sawsawan- spiced vinegar dipping sauce). The combination of the crunchy chicken skin and the tangy vinegar is simply divine. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or as part of a larger meal, Chicken Skin Chicharon is a versatile treat that embodies the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines.

Recipe video:

How to Make Crispy Chicken Skin Chicharon

If you want to enjoy this delicious snack at home, here's a simple recipe you can follow.

Ingredients:

• 300 grams Chicken Skin
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Skin:

• Clean the chicken skin thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels.
• Season the chicken skin with 1 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp white pepper, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Coat the Chicken Skin:

• In a bowl, beat the egg and set aside.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp white pepper, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
• Dip each piece of chicken skin into the beaten egg, then dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it is well coated.

3. Fry the Chicken Skin:

• Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry the coated chicken skin in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken skin from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

4. Serve:

• Serve the crispy chicken skin chicharon immediately with a side of Sukang Sawsawan (Spiced Vinegar Dipping Sauce) for dipping.
• Enjoy it with "bahaw" (cold rice) for an authentic Filipino experience.

Tips for the Best Chicken Skin Chicharon:

• Dry the Chicken Skin: Make sure the chicken skin is completely dry before seasoning and coating. This helps achieve maximum crispiness.
• Fry in Batches: Do not overcrowd the pan when frying. Frying in batches ensures that the chicken skin cooks evenly and stays crispy.
• Temperature Control: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to prevent the chicken skin from becoming too greasy or burnt.

Crispy Chicken Skin Chicharon is a delightful treat that brings a taste of the Philippines to your home. Whether you're enjoying it as a snack, paired with rice, or dipped in vinegar, this chicharon is sure to satisfy your cravings. Give this recipe a try and experience the crunchy goodness of one of the Philippines' favorite snacks!