Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

4.5(19)

Take snack time to the next level with this boba shop favorite! Perfectly crispy, tender fried chicken is showered in an expertly balanced spice mix for a savory bite that will keep you coming back for more. We recommend pairing it with your favorite milk tea!

Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
12 hr 40 min
Yield
4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (650 g), cut into 1 (2.54 cm)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon black vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine
  • 1 tablespoon ground white pepper
  • 1 tablespoon ground chinese five spice
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 8 cups neutral oil (1.9 L), for frying
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons coarsely ground Szechuan peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt
  • 2 cups tapioca starch (250 g)
  • 1 cup fresh thai basil (40 g)

For Serving (Optional)

  • taiwanese bubble tea
  • sweet chili sauce

How to Make It

1. Step
In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, soy sauce, black vinegar, Shaoxing wine, white pepper, five spice, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator to marinate overnight.
2. Step
When ready to fry, heat the oil in a medium pot over high heat until the temperature reaches 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
3. Step
In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, Szechuan peppercorns, and salt.
4. Step
When the oil is nearly at temperature, add the tapioca starch to the bowl with the chicken and its marinade and toss to coat, pressing firmly so the tapioca starch sticks to the chicken.
5. Step
Add the Thai basil to the hot oil and fry for 1–2 minutes, until crispy. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and transfer to the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.
6. Step
Working in batches, add the chicken to the hot oil and fry for 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to the paper towel-lined baking sheet.
7. Step
Sprinkle the peppercorn-salt mixture generously over the fried chicken and basil. Serve with your favorite boba drink and sweet chili sauce.
8. Step
Enjoy!

Tags

Dairy-FreeTaiwaneseMcCormick Seasoned ProMixing BowlWeeknightGame DayPlastic WrapBaking PanSnacksLiquid Measuring CupMeasuring SpoonsDeep-FryDry Measuring CupsBig BatchMcCormick Game DayStove TopGluten-Free

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