Recipe

Valencian-style Crispy Chicken Bites

Crispy Chicken Delight: Valencian Twist on Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Valencian cuisine with this delightful twist on Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken. These crispy chicken bites are seasoned with traditional Valencian spices and herbs, creating a mouthwatering fusion of cultures.

Meat Dish› Poultry Dish› Chicken Dish› Fried Chicken Dish› Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Asian cuisine› East Asian cuisine› Taiwanese cuisine

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Spanish cuisine› Valencian cuisine

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

20 minutes

Total time

50 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Omnivore, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free flour), Dairy-free (if using dairy-free aioli), Nut-free, Low sugar

Allergens

Garlic, Wheat (if not using gluten-free flour)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, Halal

Ingredients

In this Valencian adaptation, we incorporate traditional Valencian spices and herbs, such as paprika and saffron, to infuse the chicken with a unique flavor profile. Additionally, we serve the crispy chicken bites with aioli, a classic Valencian garlic sauce, which adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, so you can check it out.

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 paprika 2 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon saffron threads 1 teaspoon saffron threads
3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
200g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
250ml (1 cup) sparkling water 250ml (1 cup) sparkling water
Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
Aioli, for serving Aioli, for serving

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 2g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 1g
Protein: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
In a bowl, combine the paprika, saffron threads, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
2.
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until they are well coated with the spice mixture. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
4.
Gradually add the sparkling water to the flour mixture, whisking until you have a smooth batter.
5.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
6.
Dip each marinated chicken piece into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, and carefully place it into the hot oil.
7.
Fry the chicken in batches for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
8.
Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9.
Serve the Valencian-style crispy chicken bites hot with aioli for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Saffron threads — To enhance the flavor, soak the saffron threads in a tablespoon of warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the marinade.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra crispy texture, double coat the chicken by dipping it in the batter, letting it rest for a few minutes, and then dipping it again before frying.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
Serve the crispy chicken bites with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of citrus flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Valencian-style crispy chicken bites as a main course alongside a fresh green salad or as a delicious appetizer for sharing at parties or gatherings. Don't forget to provide plenty of aioli for dipping!

Presentation advice

Arrange the crispy chicken bites on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve the aioli in a small bowl on the side, or drizzle it over the chicken for an elegant presentation.