Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
Delicious Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken featuring tender, spiced chicken with a crispy coating, perfect for snacking or meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Taiwanese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or Chinese cooking wine
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 cup potato starch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow dish, mix potato starch with salt.
- Heat the oil: In a deep pan, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat the chicken: Remove marinated chicken and dredge in potato starch.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken in hot oil and fry for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain and serve: Remove chicken and drain on paper towels. Optionally, fry fresh basil leaves for a minute to serve alongside.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying for perfect crispiness.