- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Stir to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, potato starch (or cornstarch), five-spice powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally to cook evenly.
- Drain and Serve:
- Remove the fried chicken from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs, and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the crispy chicken bites to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or basil leaves if desired. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken before eating.
Tips for Success:
- Marinating Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
- Frying Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
- Seasonings: Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. You can add a bit of heat with cayenne pepper or chili powder if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Taiwanese popcorn chicken is often served as a snack or appetizer, accompanied by dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, garlic aioli, or even a drizzle of soy sauce.
- Serve alongside steamed rice or as part of a larger meal with Taiwanese-style sides like fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, or pickled radishes.
This recipe captures the essence of Taiwanese-style crispy chicken bites, which are popular and widely enjoyed. Feel free to adjust ingredients or seasonings to suit your taste and enjoy the flavorful and crispy “Golden Taipei Chicken Bites” at home!