How to Make Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

sweet potato starch

🥗Healthier: cornstarch

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Cornstarch is lower in calories and provides a similar crispiness.

chicken thighs

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: chicken drumsticks

Chicken breast is leaner, while drumsticks are often more economical.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces salt intake while tamari is gluten-free.

five-spice powder

🥗Healthier: cinnamon and nutmeg

💰Cheaper: mixed spices

Cinnamon and nutmeg can mimic some flavors at a lower cost.

Cut chicken breasts into large chunks.

Grate in 4 cloves of garlic into the chicken.

Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce to the chicken.

Add 2 tablespoons of Taiwanese rice wine to the chicken.

Mix all the ingredients in the bowl to marinate the chicken.

Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour or overnight for best results.

Dredge marinated chicken in regular flour.

Heat oil in a deep skillet until shimmering.

Deep fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove chicken and drain on paper towels.

Deep fry Thai basil until crispy and add to the chicken before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens