Have you ever found yourself wandering through a Chinese-American restaurant in the Pacific Northwest and spotted something called “Mar Far Chicken” on the menu? This regional delight has been captivating taste buds for decades. but if you’ve never tried it before you might be wondering what does Mar Far chicken actually taste like?
As a food blogger who’s been obsessed with regional dishes for years, I can tell you that Mar Far Chicken has one of the most uniquely satisfying flavor profiles you’ll ever experience. Let me break down everything about this delicious dish that originated in Oregon back in the 1950s.
The Origin Story: A Pacific Northwest Treasure
Before diving into the taste, it’s worth knowing where this dish comes from. Mar Far Chicken has a fascinating history tied to Kim’s Restaurant in Medford, Oregon. Dating back to the 1950s, this dish quickly became a local sensation and has since spread throughout the Pacific Northwest.
The name “Mar Far” comes from the Chinese phrase “ma la fang,” which translates to “various pieces” – perfectly describing the bite-sized chicken pieces that make up this dish
So What Does Mar Far Chicken Actually Taste Like?
Mar Far Chicken has a truly distinctive flavor profile that combines multiple taste elements:
- Crispy exterior with a satisfying crunch that crackles when you bite into it
- Tender, juicy interior that remains perfectly moist
- Savory depth from soy sauce that gives it a rich umami quality
- Subtle sweetness from the milk in the batter
- Mild tanginess from the unique marinade
- Aromatic notes from garlic and onion powder
What makes Mar Far Chicken special is the interplay between the crispy coating and the tender chicken inside The batter creates this golden-brown exterior that seals in all the moisture and flavor of the chicken
Many people describe Mar Far Chicken as having a flavor that’s:
- More complex than standard American fried chicken
- Less heavy than typical Chinese takeout dishes
- Addictively balanced between savory, sweet, and tangy elements
The Secret’s in the Batter
The magic of Mar Far Chicken lies in its unique batter. Unlike other fried chicken recipes that use buttermilk or just eggs, Mar Far Chicken uses a special combination:
- Milk and soy sauce mixed with eggs creates the base
- Flour and baking powder give it the perfect texture
- Salt enhances all the flavors
This combination produces a coating that’s not too thick or heavy but provides the perfect crispiness when fried. The soy sauce in the batter is what gives Mar Far Chicken its distinctive flavor that you won’t find in other chicken dishes.
How It Compares to Other Chicken Dishes
If you’re trying to place Mar Far Chicken in your mental flavor catalog, here’s how it compares:
| Chicken Dish | Flavor Profile | Texture | Spice Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar Far Chicken | Sweet-savory with soy sauce notes | Crispy outside, juicy inside | Mild |
| Southern Fried Chicken | Savory with herbs | Very crispy, sometimes greasy | Varies |
| General Tso’s Chicken | Sweet-spicy with thick sauce | Crispy but saucy | Medium |
| Korean Fried Chicken | Sweet-spicy glazed | Extra crispy | Medium to hot |
Mar Far Chicken lacks the sticky sweetness of General Tso’s or the spicy kick of Korean fried chicken. Instead, it offers a more balanced, subtle flavor that allows the quality of the chicken to shine through.
Don’t Confuse It With Ma La Chicken!
One important note: Mar Far Chicken should not be confused with Ma La Chicken, which is a completely different dish from Sichuan cuisine. Ma La Chicken features:
- Intense numbing spice from Sichuan peppercorns (“ma”)
- Fiery heat from chili peppers (“la”)
- A tingling sensation on your tongue
- Complex, spicy flavor profile
Mar Far Chicken, on the other hand, is milder and more approachable for those who don’t like spicy food.
Making Mar Far Chicken at Home
If my description has got your mouth watering, you’ll be happy to know that Mar Far Chicken is surprisingly easy to make at home! The ingredients are simple and the process straightforward.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- ¾ cup flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- Oil for frying
The preparation is simple too:
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces
- Mix dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking powder)
- In another bowl, mix wet ingredients (egg, milk, soy sauce)
- Dip chicken in flour mixture, then batter
- Fry until golden brown (about 7-10 minutes or internal temp of 165°F)
The result will be delicious bite-sized pieces of chicken with that iconic Mar Far flavor that’s nearly impossible to stop eating!
What to Serve With Mar Far Chicken
Mar Far Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Some of my favorites include:
- Coconut rice (seriously, this combo is amazing!)
- Baked potatoes
- Southern cornbread
- Spicy southwest salad
- Crack green beans
- Honey butter brussels sprouts
Traditionally, Mar Far Chicken was served with a pink shrimp sauce at Kim’s restaurant. If you don’t have that recipe, try it with tiger sauce, sweet chili sauce, or even Chick-Fil-A sauce for a modern twist.
The Nutritional Side
While Mar Far Chicken is undeniably delicious, it’s good to be aware of its nutritional profile:
- One serving provides about 155 calories
- Contains 16g protein
- Has 17g carbohydrates
- Contains 2g fat
The chicken provides excellent protein, but like most fried foods, it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than an everyday meal.
Regional Variations Worth Trying
As Mar Far Chicken has spread beyond Oregon, different regions have put their own spin on it:
- Oregon style: Features a heavier batter with emphasis on the sweet milk and tangy soy sauce flavor
- California style: Uses a lighter, thinner batter that lets the chicken flavor shine through
- Family variations: Some add hot sauce or spices like cayenne to the marinade
- Sauced versions: Some restaurants glaze or sauce the chicken after frying
Healthier Alternatives
If you love the taste of Mar Far Chicken but want a healthier option, there are ways to adjust the recipe:
- Bake at 425°F instead of frying
- Use an air fryer for a crispy exterior with less oil
- Opt for skinless chicken breast for lower fat content
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt
While these methods won’t give you the exact same experience as traditional Mar Far Chicken, they’ll still provide a delicious meal with similar flavor notes.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try Mar Far Chicken
Mar Far Chicken has remained popular for over 70 years because its flavor profile is truly unique and satisfying. The combination of crispy exterior, juicy interior, and that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors creates a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
If you find yourself in Oregon or other parts of the Pacific Northwest, I highly recommend seeking out a restaurant that serves authentic Mar Far Chicken. And if you’re not planning a trip anytime soon, try making it at home – the simple ingredients and straightforward cooking process make it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
Have you tried Mar Far Chicken before? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! And if you make this recipe at home, be sure to tag us on social media so we can see your delicious creation.
Note: This article was originally published on September 23, 2025, and has been updated with the latest information about this beloved regional dish.
How to Make Mar Far Chicken
In just a few easy steps – and less than 30 minutes – youll have some delicious mar far chicken ready to devour.
So, now that you have your ingredients ready lets get cooking.
First, prepare the chicken breast by cutting the chicken breasts into chunks.
Next, sift the flour into a medium-sized bowl – sifting the flour is important for us to get fluffier flour and batter without any lumps.
Then, youll add the salt and baking powder to the bowl of flour and mix to combine them.
Now, it’s time to make the batter for this tasty chicken.
First, take out another medium bowl and add the egg, milk, and soy sauce to it. Then, mix everything thoroughly with a fork or a whisk until you get a thin, combined batter.
So, to bread the chicken, first, dip it into the flour mixture and make sure its coated evenly in it. And make sure not to overcoat the chicken in the flour because a thinner coating is what gives this mar far chicken recipe its flakey crunch.
Anyway, after its coated, dip the chicken into the batter to get an even coating. Then, bring it out, and remove excess batter with a gentle shake of each piece. Also, its best to use a fork for both of these breading steps.
Now its time to fry the chicken to perfection.
To do this, preheat a large frying pan with oil over medium-high heat. And youll want to allow the oil the reach a temperature of 365°F.
Once the oil is hot, add the batter-dipped chicken pieces into the pan and fry, fry, fry! Youll want to be sure to fry them all the way through – about 7 to 10 minutes – or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Then, when you remove the cooked chicken from the pan, place it on a plate lined with an absorbent paper towel to soak up the excess oil.
So, now that this delicious mar far chicken is fried up, you can serve it with any sides that you want and one of the sauces I mentioned above to dip it in.
The Best Mar Far Chicken
If youve never heard of mar far chicken before, its a popular Chinese chicken-style dish that is said to have become popular at Kims restaurant in Medford, Oregon. And I think it become so popular because it has one of the most unique flavors youll find in a chicken recipe.
The blend of milk and soy sauce in the batter has a flavor that just cant be matched, and the way the chicken is cooked makes it an irresistible combination. Im seriously obsessed with eating it with this coconut rice, and I know once you try it, you will be too!
Now, these bite-sized chicken breasts are the perfect dish to bring into your weeknight dinner rotation because of their simplicity. As I mentioned earlier, this mar far chicken recipe uses simple cooking concepts and common household ingredients.
And this recipe makes 4 servings but can be easily doubled or tripled to feed more people. So its perfect for a big family dinner or to make for meal prep for the week.
Plus, this mar far chicken recipe is so versatile that you can enjoy it with any number of sides, like some baked potatoes, Southern cornbread, or this spicy southwest salad.
Better yet, you can serve it with these crack green beans or honey butter brussell sprouts for a serving of veggies.
As I mentioned earlier, the ingredients for this Mar Far Chicken recipe are so common, that Im willing to bet you already have all of them in your house already.
Here’s everything you’ll need to make mar far chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- ¾ cup flour
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
- 3 tbsp. soy sauce
- Oil, for frying
How simple is that?
Now, the original Kim’s mar far chicken was traditionally paired with their Chinese pink shrimp sauce. However, if you dont have a go-to shrimp sauce recipe, weve got you covered. try this mar far chicken with our deliciously creamy tiger sauce, or add a little heat with our sweet chili sauce.
Or, you can do what I like to do, and eat the chicken with some homemade Chick-Fil-A sauce.
How a Chinese Chef cooks Chicken Thighs (煎雞扒)!
FAQ
What does Mar far chicken taste like?
Mar Far Chicken typically consists of breaded and deep-fried chicken pieces that are then stir-fried with a savory sauce. The sauce usually contains ingredients such as soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sometimes a hint of sweetness from sugar or honey. Is Mar Far Chicken spicy? Mar Far Chicken is not traditionally a spicy dish.
What makes Mar far chicken so special?
Let’s delve into the details of this delightful dish and uncover what makes it so special. Mar Far Chicken has its roots in traditional Chinese cuisine, but it has been adapted to suit the American palate. The dish typically consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken that are coated in a light batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy.
What is Mar far chicken?
Mar Far Chicken is a delightful fusion of Chinese and American culinary influences, resulting in a dish that is beloved for its irresistible combination of crispy chicken and flavorful sauce.
Is Mar far Chicken Spicy?
Mar Far Chicken is not traditionally a spicy dish. The sauce used in Mar Far Chicken is more savory and flavorful rather than spicy. However, some variations of the dish may include a bit of heat from ingredients like chili paste or red pepper flakes. How is Mar Far Chicken different from General Tso’s Chicken?
What do you serve with Mar far chicken?
Mar Far chicken is often served with a dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce. We love serving it with homemade chicken gravy for a healthier, low sugar option. Mar far chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The batter is flavorful and the chicken is juicy.
Is it easy to make Mar Far Chicken?
Mar Far Chicken is easy to make. It’s a Middle Eastern dish that requires minimal culinary expertise and only a few ingredients: chicken, tomatoes, and onions. In this day and age, there’s no excuse for living off fast food and microwave dinners. The results are always satisfying.
What is mar far chicken?
Mar Far Chicken is a regional deep-fried chicken dish from Southern Oregon, specifically Medford, created at Kim’s Chinese restaurant in the 1950s. It consists of bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a flour and cornstarch batter and then fried until crispy. The dish is typically served with a flavorful pink sauce made from ingredients like ketchup, mayo, and horseradish.
What is marry me chicken supposed to taste like?
Marry Me Chicken tastes rich, creamy, and savory with the tangy-sweet flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, a garlic-Parmesan richness, and tender, juicy chicken. It’s a deeply comforting and indulgent dish, often described as having a balanced combination of sweet, savory, and slightly acidic notes that make it incredibly delicious and satisfying.
Where is Marfar chicken from?
Mar Far chicken originated at Kim’s Chinese restaurant in Medford Oregon in the 1950’s. It is chicken breast cut up in bite size pieces dipped in flour, then batter containing egg, flour, Baking powder.
What does moroccan chicken taste like?
Moroccan chicken tastes warm, complex, earthy, and aromatic, with a balanced blend of sweet and savory flavors. Key ingredients like the spice blend Ras el Hanout, tender chicken, salty green olives, bright citrus from preserved or fresh lemons, and often dried fruits like apricots or raisins contribute to its distinct sweet and tangy, savory, and slightly spicy profile.