Crispy Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer, look no further than this Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken recipe. It’s a delightful chicken recipe that features tender pieces of chicken coated in a crunchy, flavorful batter, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.

This dish is renowned for its crispy exterior and juicy interior, seasoned with aromatic spices and fried to perfection. Imagine the satisfying crunch with every bite, paired with a hint of garlic and a touch of five-spice powder that truly encapsulates the essence of Taiwanese street food.

How to Make Authentic Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

This Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is a savory and crispy dish that brings the flavors of Taiwan right to your kitchen. Each bite is bursting with spices, making it a deliciously addictive treat.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine
1 teaspoon five-spice powder
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup potato starch or cornstarch
Oil for frying
Fresh basil leaves for frying (optional)
Sliced chili for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with garlic, soy sauce, rice wine, five-spice powder, and white pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, place the potato starch. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the starch until fully coated.
Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot (around 350°F or 180°C).
Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and drain on paper towels.
Optional Basil Fry: Add fresh basil leaves to the hot oil for a few seconds until crispy, then drain.
Serve: Serve the crispy chicken garnished with sliced chili and the fried basil, if using. Enjoy hot!