Taiwanese Spicy 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
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying Vegetable oil, for deep frying
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional) Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, five-spice powder, chili powder, and crushed Sichuan peppercorns. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
4. 4.
   Take each marinated chicken piece and coat it evenly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
5. 5.
   Carefully drop the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
6. 6.
   Remove the chicken bites from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while still hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
8. 8.
   Serve the Taiwanese Spicy Crispy Chicken Bites hot and enjoy their irresistible crunch and spicy flavor.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures tender and juicy meat. If desired, you can substitute chicken breast, but it may result in slightly drier chicken bites.
• Sichuan peppercorns — Crush the peppercorns just before using to preserve their aromatic flavor. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference, as they can be quite potent.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, double-coat the chicken by dipping it in the flour mixture, then in a beaten egg, and finally back in the flour mixture before frying.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder and Sichuan peppercorns.
• Serve the Taiwanese Spicy Crispy Chicken Bites with a side of sweet chili sauce or garlic mayo for dipping.
• To make the dish healthier, you can bake the chicken bites in the oven instead of deep-frying them. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving advice

Serve the Taiwanese Spicy Crispy Chicken Bites as a snack or appetizer. They are best enjoyed hot and fresh, straight from the fryer. Provide small bamboo skewers or toothpicks for easy serving and eating.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Spicy Crispy Chicken Bites on a platter or wooden board. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve alongside a small bowl of sweet chili sauce or garlic mayo for dipping. Consider adding a slice of lime for an extra touch of freshness.