Description
A delicious and crispy Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken recipe that is easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup sweet potato starch (or cornstarch)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for frying)
- Chili powder (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, five-spice powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- Add the beaten egg to the chicken mixture and stir until the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
- While the oil is heating, place the sweet potato starch in a shallow dish.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and coat each piece in the sweet potato starch, shaking off any excess.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- If using, add fresh basil leaves to the oil during the last minute of frying for added flavor. Remove the chicken and basil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with chili powder if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
- Try serving the popcorn chicken with a side of sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Taiwanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, crispy chicken, fried chicken recipe