Go Back
+ servings
Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Crispy Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

This Crispy Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is a delightful dish that combines savory flavors for an irresistible snack.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: appetizers
Cuisine: Taiwanese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 500 grams Chicken Thighs cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 4 tablespoons Soy Sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon Grated Ginger fresh preferred
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced, fresh recommended
  • 1 teaspoon White Pepper or black pepper as substitute
  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing Wine or dry sherry alternative
  • 1 Egg White omit for egg-free option
For the Coating
  • 1 cup Coarse Sweet Potato Flour essential for crispy texture
  • 1 teaspoon Five Spice Powder adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Salt to enhance flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar adjust per personal preference
For the Finishing Touch
  • 10 leaves Basil Leaves fresh for best flavor

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Deep frying pan
  • Thermometer
  • Slotted Spoon
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cut chicken thighs into 2-inch pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Combine the chicken with soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, white pepper, Shaoxing wine, and egg white. Mix well to ensure all the pieces are evenly coated, then cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix together five spice powder, additional white pepper, salt, and sugar. Pour coarse sweet potato flour onto a large plate. Retrieve the marinated chicken and dredge each piece in the flour, making sure to cover it completely.
  3. Pour enough neutral oil, like avocado or peanut oil, into a deep frying pan to ensure the chicken pieces will be submerged. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
  4. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in small batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  5. In the last 30 seconds of frying the last batch of chicken, add fresh basil leaves to the hot oil. This quick fry will enhance the overall flavor.
  6. Once all the chicken pieces are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oil and drain on the paper towels. While still hot, sprinkle the chicken with your seasoning mix for added flavor. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for enhanced flavor. Use a thermometer for perfect oil temperature. Reheat leftovers in an oven for optimal crispiness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!