Crispy Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken
User Reviews
4.9
Crispy Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken
Description
The Crispy Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken recipe starts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, garlic, sesame oil, and spices to infuse flavor deeply. After marinating, the chicken pieces are dipped in egg and coated in cornflour which creates a light, crisp crust once deep-fried. Alongside, fresh Thai basil leaves are briefly fried to bring a fragrant crisp and added texture. Tossing the fried chicken with Chinese five-spice enhances the flavor profile with subtle warmth and complexity. The dish is served immediately with chipotle mayo providing a creamy, smoky contrast. This method yields crunchy, juicy chicken pieces perfect as finger food or paired with a dipping sauce for casual meals.
Ingredients
- 14 oz chicken thighs x4, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- vegetable oil for deep-frying
- 1 egg free-range
- 1 cup cornflour cornstarch
- Thai basil handful, leaves
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice
- mayonnaise to serve, chipotle
Soy & Shaoxing marinade
- 2 clove garlic finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon white sugar
Instructions
To Marinate the Chicken
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add the chicken pieces, making sure to completely coat them.
- Cover and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour.
To Fry the Chicken
- Two-thirds fill a deep-fryer or large heavy-based saucepan with vegetable oil.
- Heat to 170°C (325ºF), or until a cube of bread dropped into the oil turns golden brown in 20 seconds.
- Whisk the egg in a small bowl, and place the cornflour in a separate bowl.
- Working in batches, dip the chicken pieces in the egg, then the cornflour, and place into the oil.
- Fry for 3–4 minutes, until golden.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel. Drop the fresh basil leaves into the oil for a few seconds, then remove.
To Serve the Chicken
- Place the fried chicken in a serving dish.
- Sprinkle with the fried basil leaves and the five-spice powder.
- Toss to ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, with the chipotle mayonnaise.
Notes
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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