Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Name: Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon curry powder; 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 dash reduced-sodium soy sauce; 1 pinch ground cinnamon; 1 pinch Chinese five-spice powder; 1 pinch salt; 1/2 cup tempura batter mix, or as needed; vegetable oil for frying; 1 bunch Thai basil leaves

Servings: persons

1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
1 dash reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1 pinch Chinese five-spice powder
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup tempura batter mix, or as needed
vegetable oil for frying
1 bunch Thai basil leaves

1
Combine chicken pieces, garlic powder, black pepper, curry powder, ginger, soy sauce, cinnamon, five-spice powder, and salt in a large bowl. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
2
Sprinkle tempura batter mix over chicken; toss to coat lightly and evenly.
3
Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Fry chicken in the hot oil in batches until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
4
Increase oil temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Fry Thai basil leaves until crisp, about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels. Fry chicken a second time, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
5
Serve chicken with basil leaves.

188

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon curry powder, and more.

Yes, Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions