Taiwanese Crispy Chicken Bites

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 1g
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice wine, minced ginger, minced garlic, five-spice powder, chili powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Take each marinated chicken piece and coat it in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
6. 6.
   Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
7. 7.
   Fry the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
8. 8.
   Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. 9.
   Serve the Taiwanese Crispy Chicken Bites hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures tender and juicy bites. If desired, you can substitute chicken breast, but it may result in a slightly drier texture.
• Five-spice powder — This aromatic blend of spices is a key ingredient in Taiwanese cuisine. If you don't have it on hand, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy coating, double-dip the chicken pieces in the flour mixture before frying.
• To reduce the oiliness, place the fried chicken bites on a wire rack instead of a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, garlic aioli, or Taiwanese basil sauce for added flavor variety.
• For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Serve the Taiwanese Crispy Chicken Bites as a main course with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Taiwanese Crispy Chicken Bites as a snack or appetizer, accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces. They are best enjoyed hot and fresh, straight from the fryer.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown chicken bites on a platter or in a basket lined with parchment paper. Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or Thai basil for a pop of color. Serve with small bowls of dipping sauce for an inviting presentation.