Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

This Taiwanese classic consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken that are primarily marinated in a flavorful combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice wine, and various spices. The pieces are then coated in potato or corn starch and deep-fried until crispy. The dish is usually prepared with boneless chicken thighs, and while traditional seasonings include salt, pepper, and five-spice, modern variations may employ a variety of spices such as seaweed powder, mustard powder, or allspice. Taiwanese popcorn chicken is known by many names and it is one of the iconic street food items, enjoyed throughout the country. The dish is usually served without an accompanying sauce, but it frequently comes garnished with deep-fried basil leaves.