Marinated first with five-spice powder, tossed with Sichuan salt and pepper seasoning and garnished with fried basil leaves, this Taiwanese popcorn chicken is a great snack or appetizer sure to satisfy your street food cravings.
No doubt you’ve had fried chicken before, but have you had Taiwanese popcorn chicken? I learned a long time ago that this isn’t your typical fried chicken. Every bite isn’t just salty, but it’s sweet, peppery and spicy at the same time. The five-spice powder adds so much flavor and the Sichuan salt and pepper seasoning adds a numbing kick. They’re addictive and they are bite-sized, so you have an excuse to reach for just one more and then one more until you’re all out. At least that may have happened to me.
What is Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken?
Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken is most commonly found at the side vendors, restaurants and night markets in Taiwan. It is a popular Taiwanese snack or appetizer. Marinated first for a couple hours and then deep-fried, the bite-sized tender and flavorful pieces of chicken are then tossed in generous Sichuan salt and pepper seasoning and garnished with fried Thai Basil.
The chicken is traditionally fried twice, once at a lower temperature and again at a higher temperature to get an even crunchier golden brown texture. For the sake of time (and health), I usually just fry my chicken once, but feel free to make your own decision here.
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