Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

By Panlasang Pinoy

Ingredients

2 lbs. boneless chicken thighs
1 cup holy basil ((see notes1))
1 cup tapioca flour
4 cups cooking oil
8 grams Maggi Magic Sarap
2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons five spice powder ((see notes2))
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons salt

Prep Time25mins
Cook Time12mins
Servings5

Instructions

Slice the chicken into bite sized pieces.

Arrange sliced chicken in a mixing bowl and add the marinade ingredients. Mix well. Cover the bowl. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Combine 1 cup of tapioca flour with the marinated chicken. Sprinkle around 1 tablespoon of water and dredge the chicken until it gets completely coated. Let it stay for at least 3 minutes.

Heat the oil to 300F.

Deep fry the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes.

Remove from the pot and arrange over a wire rack.

Fry the basil for 1 minute.

Place everything in a clean mixing bowl. (See notes3)

Sprinkle salt and ground black pepper. Toss.

Serve and enjoy!