Taiwanese crispy chicken, also known as Taiwanese popcorn chicken, is a popular street food snack in Taiwan. The dish is made by deep-frying small pieces of chicken that have been marinated with a mixture of soy sauce, five-spice powder, garlic, and ginger. The result is crispy and flavorful pieces of chicken that are typically served with a side of sweet and spicy sauce, and sometimes accompanied by a sprinkle of fried basil leaves.
The chicken is typically cut into small bite-sized pieces and marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder for several hours. It is then coated in a batter made of sweet potato starch, cornstarch, and flour, which gives the chicken its signature crispy texture. The chicken is then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
Taiwanese crispy chicken can be served on its own as a snack or appetizer, or as a main dish alongside rice or noodles. The dish is often accompanied by a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and sugar, with a touch of chili paste or chili oil for spice. The crispy basil leaves, which are sometimes added as a garnish, give the dish a fragrant and slightly herbaceous flavor.
