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Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Crispy Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken for Irresistible Crunch

This Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken features crispy fried snacks with a flavorful punch, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Taiwanese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 pound chicken thighs skinless and boneless
  • 1 large egg white
  • 2 cloves garlic freshly minced
  • 3 tablespoons regular soy sauce can use low-sodium
  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
  • 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar optional
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
For the Coating and Frying
  • 1 cup potato starch can substitute with tapioca or cornstarch
  • 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
For the Final Touch
  • 1 cup Thai basil can substitute with Holy or Italian basil

Equipment

  • deep pan or fryer
  • kitchen thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
  1. Begin by dicing the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken with egg white, minced garlic, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, Chinese five spice, salt, and white pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the coating by spreading potato starch in a shallow dish. Once the marinating time is up, dredge each piece of chicken in the potato starch, ensuring it's evenly coated and forms small clumps.
  3. In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
  4. Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot oil in small batches, frying for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Once golden, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with your favorite spice mix or salt.
  6. Quickly deep fry the Thai basil leaves in the same hot oil until crispy, which will take just a few seconds. Remove and drain them on a paper towel, then sprinkle over the chicken before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 4piecesCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Make sure to marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor.

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