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TAIWANESE POPCORN CHICKEN

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This Taiwanese popcorn chicken recipe brings crispy, flavorful bites of chicken packed with aromatic spices and topped with crispy Thai basil. Perfect for a crunchy snack or appetizer, this dish offers the ultimate combination of crispy chicken and savory seasoning!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 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

For Coating and Frying:

  • Thai basil leaves
  • 2 cups coarse sweet potato starch
  • Oil, for frying

For the Seasoning Mix:

  • 1/4 tsp five-spice powder
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 – 1 tsp sugar

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken:
    • In a bowl, combine diced chicken with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, chicken bouillon powder, Shaoxing wine (or rice wine vinegar), white pepper, and egg white.
    • Mix well to coat the chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Prepare for Frying:
    • Place sweet potato starch in a shallow dish. Coat each marinated chicken piece in the starch, pressing lightly for an even coating.
  • First Fry:
    • Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or pot. Fry chicken in batches for about 4 minutes until golden brown.
    • Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Double Fry for Extra Crispiness:
    • Reheat the oil to 350°F. Fry chicken a second time for an additional minute to enhance crispiness.
    • During the last 30 seconds, add Thai basil leaves into the oil. Be cautious of oil splattering and cover with a lid for safety. Remove when crispy and drain.
  • Season and Serve:
    • Toss the hot chicken with the seasoning mix (five-spice powder, white pepper, salt, and sugar). Adjust seasoning to taste.
    • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For added flavor, use fresh Shaoxing wine or rice vinegar for an authentic taste.
  • Double frying ensures extra crispiness, which is a key feature of this dish.
  • Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference, starting with half and adding more as needed.
  • Use fresh Thai basil leaves for a fragrant and crispy garnish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://deliceflash.com/taiwanese-popcorn-chicken/