Description
Quick & Easy Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is a delightful and crispy dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Taiwan right to your kitchen. This recipe features bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with aromatic Chinese five spice and topped with crispy fried basil. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or snack for any occasion, you can have this crowd-pleaser ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.25 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 1 1/4 cup potato starch
- 2 cups vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 egg white
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp vinegar (non-alcoholic)
- 2 tsp white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
- 1/4 cup Thai basil (washed and pat dried)
Instructions
- Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate with garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, five spice, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Spread potato starch on a plate and dredge marinated chicken until well-coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan to 350°F.
- Deep fry chicken in small batches for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove chicken and drain excess oil on paper towels; season with the spice mix while hot.
- Deep fry basil leaves quickly until crispy.
- Serve chicken topped with fried basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For a healthier option, consider air frying the marinated chicken. Customize by adding different spices or herbs to suit your taste.