Best Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken Recipe - How To Make Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken

Ingredients

• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tsp. five spice powder
• 1/2 tsp. ground white pepper
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. ground Szechuan peppercorn
• 1/4 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tbsp. packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp. rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
• 1 large egg white
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1" pieces
• 1 1/4 c. cornstarch
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. five spice powder, divided
• 1/4 tsp. ground white pepper
• 3/4 tsp. finely ground gochugaru (optional)
• Kosher salt
• MSG (optional)
• 12 basil leaves
• Peanut oil, for frying