Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken That Will Make You Drool (Crispy, Juicy & Addictive!)

Have you ever eaten something so good that you couldn’t stop reaching for “just one more piece”? That’s exactly how I felt when I first tried Taiwanese popcorn chicken.

It’s crispy, juicy, full of flavor, and honestly one of the best snack foods you’ll ever taste. I still remember the first time I had it—it was hot, crunchy, and the seasoning just hit differently.

That’s when I knew I had to try making it at home, and now I want to share it with you too. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll never look at plain fried chicken the same way again.

What Is Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken?

Taiwanese popcorn chicken is a popular street food from Taiwan. You’ll find it in night markets, served in little paper bags, usually with fresh basil leaves tossed in for extra flavor. Unlike regular fried chicken, it’s cut into small bite-sized pieces, coated in potato starch for that amazing crunchy shell, and seasoned with a special spice mix. The result? Crispy outside, juicy inside, and absolutely addictive.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I know what you’re thinking—“Isn’t fried chicken just fried chicken?” Nope! Here’s why this one is special:

• Super crispy coating thanks to potato starch.
• Bold flavor from soy sauce, garlic, and five-spice powder.
• Snack-size pieces so you can pop them one after another.
• Street food vibes that feel fun and exciting even at home.

This isn’t just food, it’s an experience.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Taiwanese popcorn chicken, you don’t need anything fancy. Most of this you probably already have:

• Chicken thighs (juicy and perfect for frying, but chicken breast works too)
• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Five-spice powder (this is key for that Taiwanese flavor)
• White pepper & black pepper
• Sugar
• Potato starch (for extra crunch—don’t skip this!)
• Fresh Thai basil leaves (optional, but they make it authentic)
• Oil for frying

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How to Make Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

I’ll walk you through step by step so you can nail it the first time.

1. Marinate the Chicken

Cut your chicken into small bite-sized chunks. Mix with soy sauce, garlic, five-spice, sugar, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you can). This step gives the chicken all that amazing flavor.

2. Coat with Potato Starch

Right before frying, toss the chicken in potato starch. This is what makes it crispy and light instead of heavy and greasy.

3. Fry Until Golden

Heat oil in a pan or deep fryer. Drop the chicken in batches—don’t overcrowd or it won’t crisp up. Fry until golden brown and crunchy.

4. Add the Basil (Optional but Worth It)

If you want to go full street-food style, toss a handful of fresh basil leaves into the hot oil for a few seconds. They’ll crisp up instantly and smell amazing.

5. Season and Serve

Right after frying, sprinkle your chicken with extra white pepper or five-spice powder. Then serve hot and crunchy.

Tips for the Best Popcorn Chicken

• Thighs are best: They stay juicy, unlike chicken breast which can dry out.
• Double fry: For extra crunch, fry once, let it rest, then fry again quickly.
• Eat fresh: This chicken is best eaten right after frying. Don’t wait—it loses crunch if it sits too long.

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How to Serve Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

This snack is usually eaten on its own, but you can also:

• Serve with rice for a quick meal.
• Add spicy mayo or chili dip on the side.
• Put it in a wrap or sandwich for a fun twist.

But honestly, I just eat it straight out of the bowl while it’s hot.

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FAQs About Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Q: Can I bake it instead of frying?
A: You can, but it won’t be the same level of crispy. Air frying works better if you want less oil.

Q: What if I don’t have potato starch?
A: Cornstarch works, but potato starch gives a lighter crunch.

Q: Is five-spice powder necessary?
A: Yes, it’s what makes it taste Taiwanese. Without it, it’s just regular fried chicken.

Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Absolutely! Add chili powder, cayenne, or even drizzle some spicy sauce on top.

Q: How long does it stay crispy?
A: Best eaten right away, but if you need to store it, reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crunch.

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Now you’ve got everything you need to make Taiwanese popcorn chicken at home. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and ridiculously good—you’ll be hooked just like I was the first time I tried it.