Name: TAIWANESE POPCORN CHICKEN
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Taiwanese
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thigh, diced into cubes; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp garlic, minced; 2 tsp grated ginger (or 1/4 tsp powdered ginger); 1/4 tsp five-spice powder; 1/4 tsp chicken bouillon powder; 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or rice wine vinegar; 1/2 tsp white pepper; 1 egg white; Thai basil leaves; 2 cups coarse sweet potato starch; Oil, for frying; 1/4 tsp five-spice powder; 1/4 tsp white pepper; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 – 1 tsp sugar

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If you’re craving a crunchy, savory snack with bold flavors, then Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken should definitely be on your radar. This iconic dish is beloved in Taiwan and around the world for its irresistible crispy exterior, juicy chicken, and aromatic blend of spices. Whether served as street food, in a bento box, or as an appetizer, this Taiwanese snack is packed with deliciousness. With a combination of marinated chicken pieces, a flavorful coating, and a crispy golden finish, it’s easy to see why it’s become a fan favorite. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!

Why You’ll Love Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Here’s why Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is the ultimate snack or meal:

Crispy and Tender: The secret to the crispy coating lies in the double frying technique, which ensures a crunchy bite while keeping the chicken juicy and tender inside.

Bold, Flavorful Marinade: The chicken is marinated in a combination of soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, and five-spice powder, which infuses the meat with deep flavors. It’s the perfect balance of salty, savory, and aromatic.

Perfect for Snacking or Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a quick snack, or looking for a new appetizer to add to your meal lineup, these crispy bites are a hit every time. Plus, they’re easy to serve and share!

Customizable Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste by adding more or less chili powder. For a milder version, you can skip the chili altogether!

Made with Simple Ingredients: While the flavor profile is bold, the ingredients are easy to find, and you likely already have most of them in your pantry.

Ingredients

To make Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they’re juicy and tender, perfect for frying.
Soy Sauce: Adds a rich, umami depth to the marinade.
Rice Wine or Shaoxing Wine: Gives the chicken a hint of fragrance and complexity.
Garlic: Minced garlic provides a burst of aromatic flavor.
Ginger: Fresh ginger complements the garlic and adds warmth to the dish.
Five-Spice Powder: This key ingredient is a blend of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. It’s what gives Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken its distinct flavor.
White Pepper: Adds a subtle heat to the marinade and coating.
Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch creates a super crispy crust when fried.
All-Purpose Flour: For an additional layer of crunch and to help bind the spices to the chicken.
Chili Powder (Optional): For some heat, if you like a spicy kick.
Basil Leaves: Thai basil is traditionally used in this dish for garnish, and when fried, it adds an extra layer of fragrance and flavor.
Vegetable Oil: For deep frying.

(Note: The full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, here’s how to make these Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken:

Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, and white pepper. Toss the chicken pieces into the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and chili powder (if using). This will form the crispy coating for your chicken.
Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should reach a temperature of around 350°F (175°C). To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles right away, you’re ready to fry.
Coat the Chicken: Take each piece of marinated chicken and coat it evenly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks. Shake off any excess flour before frying.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for about 4-5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy. Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, remove it from the oil and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Fry the Basil: In the same oil, add a handful of Thai basil leaves and fry them for about 30 seconds, or until crispy. This step is optional but highly recommended for that traditional taste.
Assemble and Serve: Once all the chicken pieces are fried, toss the crispy basil leaves on top of the chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy your Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken with a side of dipping sauce, if desired.

Tips for Success

Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: For the ultimate crunch, double fry the chicken. After the first fry, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then fry it again for an extra crispy finish.

Use High Heat: To get the perfect crispy texture, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. If the temperature is too low, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Adjust the Spice Level: You can make the chicken spicier by increasing the amount of chili powder or adding a few fresh chopped chilies to the marinade.

Fried Basil is Key: The fried basil adds a unique fragrance to the dish, so don’t skip this step! If you can’t find Thai basil, regular basil will work, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Serve Immediately: Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is best enjoyed fresh and hot. If you need to reheat leftovers, you can pop them in the oven or air fryer to restore some of that crispy texture.

How to Serve Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

These crispy, flavorful chicken bites are delicious on their own, but here are a few fun ways to serve them:

With Dipping Sauce: Serve your Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken with a dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or a tangy vinegar-based sauce for an extra flavor punch.

As a Snack or Appetizer: Perfect for a party or movie night! These chicken bites are great as finger food and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Over Rice or Noodles: For a more substantial meal, serve the crispy chicken over steamed rice or noodles. It pairs well with a light soy sauce or garlic-based dressing.

In a Bento Box: Pack a portion of Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken in a lunchbox for a fun and tasty lunch. Add a side of pickled vegetables or some steamed edamame for balance.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: While chicken breasts can be used, thighs are preferable for this recipe because they stay juicier and more tender when fried. However, you can substitute with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.

Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A2: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.

Q3: Can I make this dish spicier?
A3: Absolutely! You can increase the chili powder or add fresh chopped chilies to the marinade to increase the heat level.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an air fryer or oven to crisp it up again.

Q5: Can I freeze Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the fried chicken for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake or air fry from frozen until crispy and hot throughout.

Conclusion

Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful, making it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves bold and delicious snacks. With a simple marinade, a crunchy coating, and a touch of fried basil, this dish delivers all the authentic flavors of Taiwan in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a party or as a snack for yourself, this dish is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, heat up that oil, and get ready to enjoy the crispy, savory goodness of Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken. Happy cooking!