# Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken Nuggets: A Crunchy Treat
Taiwanese popcorn chicken nuggets are an adored snack that has won over the hearts (and palates) of many across the globe. Renowned for their incredibly crunchy texture, rich savory flavor, and irresistible quality, these nuggets are a fundamental aspect of Taiwanese street food culture. Frequently paired with boba tea, they bring back sweet memories of late-night gatherings and joyous times spent with friends.
## What is Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken?
Hailing from Taiwan’s lively night markets, Taiwanese popcorn chicken is a sought-after street food that has spread to restaurants worldwide. The cooking method features a distinctive double frying process that gives the chicken its characteristic crunch. Initially, the chicken is cooked in oil at a lower temperature to ensure it’s well-cooked, then fried again at a higher temperature to attain that mouthwatering crispy exterior. The finishing touch involves tossing the chicken in a seasoning blend of salt, pepper, and often adorned with deep-fried basil leaves.
Alongside the bite-sized nuggets, you can also discover larger versions known as crispy fried chicken cutlets, which may be bigger than a person’s head and can be consumed whole or sliced into pieces.
## Ingredients for Taiwanese Fried Chicken
The secret to crafting authentic Taiwanese popcorn chicken lies in the ingredients chosen. Here’s a breakdown:
– **Chicken**: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are favored for their moistness and flavor.
– **Light Soy Sauce**: Adds umami without overly darkening the chicken.
– **Starch**: A mix of cornstarch and potato starch provides a light, crispy coating.
– **Five Spice Powder**: This spice blend, containing star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel, imparts a unique flavor to the chicken.
– **White Pepper**: Delivers a sharper, more fragrant note compared to black pepper.
– **Thai Basil**: Commonly utilized as a garnish, lending earthy freshness to the dish.
## How to Make Taiwanese Fried Chicken
### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Cut the Chicken**: Chop the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, making sure they are uniform for consistent cooking.
2. **Marinate**: Mix the chicken with light soy sauce, garlic, five spice powder, white pepper, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably for an hour.
3. **Coat the Chicken**: After marinating, coat the chicken pieces in a blend of cornstarch and potato starch. This coating should be even and complete.
4. **Fry**: You can opt to deep-fry, air-fry, or oven-bake the chicken. Each technique has its advantages:
– **Deep-Frying**: For the crispiest texture, double fry the chicken—first at a lower temperature, then at a higher temperature until golden brown.
– **Air-Frying**: Lightly oil the chicken and cook at 400°F for a quicker and healthier alternative.
– **Oven-Baking**: Bake at 450°F for a crispy result without frying.
5. **Season and Serve**: Toss the freshly cooked chicken in a mixture of salt, white pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder. If desired, garnish with fried basil leaves.
## Which Cooking Method is Best?
A taste test showed that while all methods yielded delicious chicken, deep-frying was preferred for its flavor, air-frying was recognized for crunchiness, and oven-baking stood out for juiciness. Ultimately, the selection depends on personal taste and dietary needs.
## The Best Coating for Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
The distinctive texture of Taiwanese popcorn chicken is achieved through the use of starches rather than flour. The combination of cornstarch, potato starch, or sweet potato starch creates a lighter, crispier coating. Sweet potato starch is especially valued for its crunchiness, making it the preferred option for authentic Taiwanese fried chicken.
## What to Serve with Taiwanese Fried Chicken
Taiwanese popcorn chicken can be savored alone as a snack or accompanied by fluffy white rice, fried noodles, or even alongside green onion pancake beef rolls for a complete Taiwanese culinary experience.
## Conclusion
Taiwanese popcorn chicken nuggets transcend being just a snack; they are a cultural touchstone that unites people. Whether you enjoy them at a night market in Taiwan or prepare them at home, their crunchy texture and savory flavor are bound to please. So gather your friends, brew some boba tea, and indulge in this delightful taste of Taiwan!