Go Back
–+ servings
Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Crispy Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken: Quick & Easy Delight

Experience the irresistible crunch of Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, a quick and easy dish that’s gluten-free and perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Taiwanese
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs Can substitute with chicken breast
  • 1 Egg White Swap with a flax egg for vegan option
For the Coating
  • 1 cup Potato Starch Or Tapioca/Cornstarch
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic enhances flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese Five Spice Essential for authentic taste
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances overall flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon White Pepper Can use black pepper as alternative
For the Frying
  • 2-3 inches Vegetable Oil Any neutral oil works well for frying
For Garnishing
  • 1 handful Thai Basil Holy basil or Italian basil can be substitutes
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Helps balance flavors
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Tamari is great for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing Wine Dry sherry or chicken broth can substitute

Equipment

  • deep pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Slotted spoon
  • Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by dicing the skinless boneless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine with garlic, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and Chinese five spice. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the coating by placing potato starch in a shallow dish. Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly in potato starch.
  3. In a deep pan, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces, and heat to 350°F.
  4. Carefully add a batch of chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Fry a handful of Thai basil leaves in the hot oil for about 10-15 seconds until crispy, and set aside.
  6. Arrange the crispy Taiwanese popcorn chicken on a serving platter and sprinkle the crispy basil on top. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is best served freshly cooked for optimal crispiness. Store leftovers properly for best results.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!