Salt and Pepper Chicken Backs
Salt and Pepper Chicken Backs is a classic Cantonese-style appetizer or bar snack, where chicken backs are deep-fried until crispy and then tossed in a fragrant mixture of salt, white pepper, and often chili and garlic. It's a popular dish in Cantonese cuisine, particularly in dim sum restaurants and casual eateries, valued for its bold, savory flavor and satisfying crunch.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat due to the chicken and deep-frying method, with minimal carbohydrates unless a starchy coating is used. A typical serving provides a good source of protein and minerals like iron and zinc, but is also calorie-dense, often ranging from 300 to 500 calories per serving depending on portion size and preparation.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Potassium | 300 mg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6 mg |
| Selenium | 18 mcg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Zinc | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.5 mcg |
Per 1 serving (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish exemplifies the Cantonese principle of using humble, less-prized cuts of meat to create flavorful, economical dishes, showcasing skill in seasoning and texture. Nutritionally, the high-heat frying helps retain the chicken's moisture while creating a crispy exterior, and the use of white pepper adds a distinctive, warming heat that is characteristic of Cantonese flavor profiles.
