Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Wow, have you tried yummy popcorn chicken? It is so crunchy. I just love Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken!

I first tasted it at a busy night market. The smell was, um, amazing. I grabbed a big bag and ate it all.

I want more right now. The spices tickle my tongue, and the meat is so juicy. It’s perfect for snack time.

So, do you want to try it too? Let’s get some Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken soon. Trust me, it will make your tummy happy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor: This recipe captures the signature Taiwanese night market taste with crispy, juicy chicken and bold seasonings.
• Crispy Perfection: A special double-fry technique ensures an ultra-crispy texture.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Perfect Snack or Appetizer: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with a dipping sauce for extra flavor.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Marinating Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 35 minutes

Servings:

This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a snack or appetizer.

Difficulty:

Easy to moderate – simple enough for home cooks but fun for those who enjoy frying techniques.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Deep frying pan or wok
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Thermometer (optional but recommended)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make authentic Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (preferred for juiciness)
• Soy sauce – for umami-rich depth
• Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry) – enhances flavor
• Garlic – freshly minced for a punch of aroma
• Ginger – grated for warmth
• White pepper – adds a mild peppery heat
• Five-spice powder – the signature Taiwanese seasoning
• Sugar – balances flavors
• Salt – for seasoning

For the Coating:

• Sweet potato starch (preferred) or cornstarch – for a crispy, airy texture
• Baking powder – helps create an extra light crust

For Frying:

• Neutral oil (such as vegetable or peanut oil) – for deep frying

For Garnish:

• Fresh Thai basil leaves – fried for a crispy, aromatic topping

How to Make Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
2. Place the chicken in a bowl and add soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, garlic, ginger, white pepper, five-spice powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Mix well, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the marinade.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

1. In a separate bowl, mix sweet potato starch with baking powder.
2. Take each marinated chicken piece, letting excess liquid drip off, and dredge it in the starch mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.
3. Set aside on a plate and let rest for 5-10 minutes to help the coating stick.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

First Fry (Initial Cooking):

1. Heat oil in a deep pan or wok to 325°F (160°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small pinch of starch into the oil—it should bubble gently.
2. Fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden but not fully crisp.
3. Remove and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

Second Fry (Extra Crispiness):

1. Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fry the chicken again for 30-45 seconds until deep golden brown and extra crispy.
3. Drain on paper towels and repeat with remaining batches.

Step 4: Fry the Thai Basil Leaves (Optional but Recommended)

1. Carefully drop fresh Thai basil leaves into the hot oil.
2. Fry for 5-10 seconds until crisp (be cautious, as they may splatter).
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Serving and Presentation

How to Serve Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is best served hot and crispy. Here are some ways to enjoy it:

• Street-Style Snack: Serve in a small paper bag or basket for an authentic night market feel.
• With Dipping Sauces: Pair with sweet chili sauce, garlic aioli, or a soy-based dipping sauce.
• As a Side Dish: Enjoy with steamed jasmine rice, pickled vegetables, or a light salad.
• With Extra Seasoning: Sprinkle with more five-spice powder or chili powder for extra flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat

• Oven/Air Fryer (Best Method): Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes, tossing occasionally.
• Microwave (Not Recommended): The coating will soften, but if needed, reheat in short bursts.

Nutrition Information

The values below are approximate and based on a single serving (1/4 of the total recipe). Actual values may vary based on frying oil absorption and ingredient brands.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320 kcal
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	80mg
Sodium	720mg
Total Carbohydrates	22g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	2g
Protein	22g

Note:

• Nutrition information is estimated based on frying with minimal oil absorption.
• For a lighter version, consider air-frying or baking instead of deep frying.

Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken FAQs

What makes Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken different from regular fried chicken?

Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is known for its light, crispy coating, five-spice seasoning, and optional crispy basil topping, which gives it a signature night market flavor.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs are recommended because they stay juicier after frying. If using chicken breast, be careful not to overcook it.

What can I substitute for sweet potato starch?

If you can’t find sweet potato starch, cornstarch or potato starch are good alternatives. However, sweet potato starch gives the best crispy texture.

How do I make it spicier?

For extra heat, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade or sprinkle with spicy seasoning after frying.

Can I bake or air fry it instead?

Yes! To air fry:

• Preheat to 375°F (190°C)
• Spray the coated chicken lightly with oil
• Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through

To bake:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
• Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet
• Spray with oil and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy

Conclusion

Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is a crispy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of Taiwan’s famous night markets into your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Try it today and let me know how it turns out!