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4.80 from 5 votes

Taiwanese Crispy Salt and Pepper Popcorn Chicken

Taiwanese popcorn chicken, also referred to as Crispy Chicken or Salt and Pepper Chicken, is a popular snack often found at tapioca/boba tea cafes. Don't be intimidated by the list of ingredients because it's pretty easy to make. Just be sure to allow at least 30 minutes for the chicken to marinate.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 3 boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces

For the Marinade

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp five spice powder, (see note)
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tbsp shaoxing cooking wine
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper powder
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp sugar

For Frying

  • handful of fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 1 cup corn starch
  • 1 egg, whisked
  • 1 tbsp five spice powder for dusting
  • Oil for deep-frying

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the chicken and marinade ingredients, making sure to completely coat the chicken. Let sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
  • Pour oil at least one inch deep into pot or wok being used for frying and turn to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, pour in whisked egg. In a separate small bowl, pour in cornstarch. When oil is heated, coat chicken in egg, then in cornstarch and then place into hot oil. Let chicken fry on both sides until batter becomes a medium brown (about 3-4 minutes). You can fry a few pieces of chicken at a time. When chicken is done, remove and place on a plate lined with paper towel to drain excess oil.
  • After you have finished with all of the chicken, drop in fresh basil leaves. The leaves cook quite fast, so you only need to fry them for a few seconds. Be careful as they might make a popping sound. Sprinkle basil on top of chicken. Sprinkle an additional 1 tbsp of five spice powder on top of chicken and toss chicken to make sure all chicken pieces are coated with powder and mixed with basil. If you feel more seasoning is necessary, sprinkle a little more five spice powder. Serve immediately while the chicken is still crispy.

Notes

Five-spice powder is a seasoning blend found at Chinese markets next to white pepper bottles.
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. This is not a comprehensive list of all the nutrients in the recipe (i.e., does not include vitamins, cholesterol, etc). I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
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