Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken Recipe made of bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in aromatic spices, coated in crispy batter, and deep-fried to golden perfection it serves 8 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it an irresistible snack or appetizer.
Try More Chicken Recipes:
- Thai Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai)
- Chicken Inasal (Filipino Grilled Chicken)
- Skillet Lemon Chicken & Potatoes–
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken Recipe:
- Authentic Taste: Bursting with Taiwanese street food flavors.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels, batter thickness, or add nuts for a personal touch.
- Crispy Perfection: Perfectly golden and crispy exterior with juicy chicken inside.
- Great for Gatherings: Ideal appetizer for parties or family meals.
❓ What Is Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken Recipe?
Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken Recipe is a traditional street food featuring crispy fried chicken bites marinated in a blend of soy sauce, spices, and aromatics, served with fried basil for a signature flavor.
🍗 Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup sweet potato starch (or cornstarch)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for frying)
- 2 cups oil (for frying)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)
🧆 Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, five-spice powder, garlic powder, white pepper, and chili powder.
- Add the chicken pieces, mix well, and marinate for at least 20 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg.
- Coat the marinated chicken in egg, then dredge each piece in sweet potato starch for a crispy coating.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per batch).
- Add fresh basil leaves to the hot oil for 30 seconds to enhance the aroma.
- Arrange the chicken on a plate, garnish with chopped nuts, and serve hot.
📍 Recipe Tips
- Marinate Overnight for Flavorful Chicken: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight to fully absorb the bold and aromatic seasonings, resulting in juicier, more flavorful bites.
- Sweet Potato Starch vs Cornstarch: Sweet potato starch is traditionally used in Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken to create a light and ultra-crispy coating.
- Double Fry for Extra Crunch: Fry the chicken pieces once to cook through and a second time at higher heat to achieve an irresistibly crispy exterior.
- Incorporate Fresh Basil for Authentic Flavor: Fresh basil leaves not only add a fragrant aroma but also lend an earthy flavor when fried alongside the chicken.
- Adjust Spice Levels to Your Preference: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or serve with a side of chili dipping sauce for those who love heat.
🍟 What To Serve With Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken?
Pair Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken with garlic rice, spicy dipping sauce, or a fresh cucumber salad the combination of flavors and textures makes for a satisfying and balanced meal.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken?
- Refrigeration: Place leftover taiwanese popcorn chicken in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Arrange cooked leftover taiwanese popcorn chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag keeps for up to 1 month.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftover Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken?
- In The Stovetop: Heat over medium heat leftover thai chicken soup stirring occasionally until warmed through for up 3-4 minutes. Add a splash of coconut milk if needed.
- In The Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl leftover thai chicken soup for up 5 minutes stirring between each interval.
FAQs
Is Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken spicy?
Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is mildly spiced with five-spice powder and optional chili powder. You can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili.
Why does my Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken lose its crispiness after frying?
Overcrowding the frying pan or letting the chicken sit on paper towels can make it lose its crispiness. Fry in small batches and use a wire rack to keep the coating crunchy.
What is the ideal frying temperature for Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken?
Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for frying Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken. Consistent temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly and the coating becomes crispy.
Can I bake or air fry Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken instead of deep frying?
Yes, you can bake or air fry Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken for a healthier alternative. While the texture may not be as crispy as deep frying, spraying the chicken with oil before baking or air frying helps achieve a satisfying crunch.
Why is fried basil included in Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken?
Fried basil is a hallmark of Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, adding a distinct aroma and a slightly earthy flavor that complements the chicken’s seasoning. Fry the basil just before serving for maximum freshness.
More Chicken Recipes:
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 378
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
Description
Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken Recipe made of bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in aromatic spices, coated in crispy batter, and deep-fried to golden perfection it serves 8 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it an irresistible snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, five-spice powder, garlic powder, white pepper, and chili powder.
- Add the chicken pieces, mix well, and marinate for at least 20 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg.
- Coat the marinated chicken in egg, then dredge each piece in sweet potato starch for a crispy coating.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per batch).
- Add fresh basil leaves to the hot oil for 30 seconds to enhance the aroma.
- Arrange the chicken on a plate, garnish with chopped nuts, and serve hot.
Notes
- Marinate Overnight for Flavorful Chicken: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight to fully absorb the bold and aromatic seasonings, resulting in juicier, more flavorful bites.
Sweet Potato Starch vs Cornstarch: Sweet potato starch is traditionally used in Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken to create a light and ultra-crispy coating.
Double Fry for Extra Crunch: Fry the chicken pieces once to cook through and a second time at higher heat to achieve an irresistibly crispy exterior.
Incorporate Fresh Basil for Authentic Flavor: Fresh basil leaves not only add a fragrant aroma but also lend an earthy flavor when fried alongside the chicken.
Adjust Spice Levels to Your Preference: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or serve with a side of chili dipping sauce for those who love heat.