Discover the ultimate Taiwanese Fried Chicken (鹽酥雞) recipe! This dish features tender chicken pieces, perfectly coated in a crispy, golden-brown batter and seasoned with a delightful blend of salt and pepper. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, learn how to make this beloved Taiwanese street food at home with our easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup cornstarch

- 1 tablespoon garlic powder

- 1 tablespoon onion powder

- 1 teaspoon white pepper

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder

- 1 large egg

- 1 cup cold water

- Vegetable oil, for frying

- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

- Extra salt and pepper (for seasoning)

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Make the Batter: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, salt, and five-spice powder. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add cold water. Combine the wet and dry ingredients to create a smooth batter.

Coat the Chicken: Dip each marinated chicken piece into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat thoroughly and set aside on a rack.

Heat the Oil: In a large pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be enough to submerge the chicken pieces.

Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per batch, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Garnish and Serve: Season the fried chicken with extra salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if using. Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, flavorful Taiwanese Fried Chicken!

Nutritional values

Chicken Thighs or Breasts (1 lb / 450g, cut into bite-sized pieces):

 - Chicken Thighs: Approximately 209 calories, 18g protein, 0g carbohydrates, 15g fat

 - Chicken Breasts: Approximately 165 calories, 31g protein, 0g carbohydrates, 4g fat

Benefits: Excellent source of lean protein, supports muscle growth and repair, provides essential vitamins (B6, B12) and minerals (phosphorus, selenium), promotes satiety.

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup):

 - Approximately 455 calories

 - 13g protein

 - 95g carbohydrates

 - 1g fat

Benefits: Provides energy from carbohydrates, contains some protein and essential minerals, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high carbohydrate content and lack of fiber.

Cornstarch (1/2 cup):

 - Approximately 240 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 60g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Used as a thickening agent in recipes, adds texture to dishes, but is high in carbohydrates and lacks significant nutritional value.

Garlic Powder (1 tablespoon):

 - Approximately 30 calories

 - 1g protein

 - 7g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds flavor, supports immune health, has antibacterial properties, and contains antioxidants.

Onion Powder (1 tablespoon):

 - Approximately 28 calories

 - 1g protein

 - 7g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Enhances flavor, supports digestion, has anti-inflammatory properties, and contains antioxidants.

White Pepper (1 teaspoon):

 - Approximately 6 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds heat and flavor, has antioxidant properties, aids in digestion, and can help with weight management by boosting metabolism.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

 - Approximately 0 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Enhances flavor, essential for fluid balance and nerve function, but should be used in moderation due to potential health risks associated with high sodium intake.

Five-Spice Powder (1/2 teaspoon):

 - Approximately 2-3 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0.5g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds complex flavor, has potential digestive benefits, and includes spices like star anise, cloves, and cinnamon which have antioxidant properties.

Large Egg (1):

 - Approximately 70 calories

 - 6g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 5g fat

Benefits: High-quality protein, provides essential nutrients (vitamins A, D, B12, choline), supports muscle health, and provides energy.

Cold Water (1 cup):

 - 0 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Essential for hydration, helps in the preparation of batter, and supports overall body functions.

Vegetable Oil (for frying):

 - Approximately 120 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 14g fat (mostly unsaturated fats)

Benefits: Adds flavor and texture when frying, supports energy needs, but should be used in moderation due to high fat content.

Fresh Basil Leaves (optional, for garnish):

 - Approximately 1-2 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0.1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds fresh flavor, contains antioxidants, supports digestion, and is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.

Extra Salt and Pepper (for seasoning):

 - Salt: 0 calories, 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, 0g fat

 - Pepper: Approximately 6 calories per teaspoon, 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, 0g fat

Benefits: Enhances flavor, should be used in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake, and adds a bit of spice and heat from pepper.