Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken (Yan Su Ji)

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice wine or Shaoxing wine
1 tsp five-spice powder
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg, beaten
1 cup sweet potato starch or cornstarch
Oil for frying
Fresh basil leaves
Thai chili (optional, for extra spice)
Instructions:

In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice wine, five-spice powder, white pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
Dip the marinated chicken pieces in the beaten egg, then coat with sweet potato starch or cornstarch.
Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
In the same oil, fry a handful of fresh basil leaves until crispy, about 10 seconds. Be careful as they may splatter.
Serve the chicken hot, garnished with crispy basil leaves and Thai chili if using.

Have fun eating...Enjoy!