Taiwanese XXL Crispy Fried Chicken Cutlet

Steps

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1. 1
   Prepare the marinade by combining water, rice wine, salt, sugar, young ginger juice, light soy sauce, grated garlic, five-spice powder, white pepper, and cornstarch in a bowl. Mix well.
   ≈1:02
2. 2
   Prepare the chicken breasts: slice each piece halfway through along the middle line without cutting all the way through, then butterfly it open. Place between plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet, working from the center outward, until the chicken is flattened to about one-third its original thickness.
   ≈2:12
3. 3
   Marinate the chicken: place the flattened chicken breasts into the marinade, gently massaging by hand to ensure even coating. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
   ≈3:51
4. 4
   Prepare the seasoning powder: combine five-spice powder and salt, mixing well. Transfer to a spice shaker and set aside.
   ≈4:30
5. 5
   Prepare the flour coating: mix the special grade coarse sweet potato flour with glutinous rice flour until well combined.
   ≈5:03
6. 6
   Coat the chicken: spread the flour mixture evenly on a tray. Remove each marinated chicken piece and press firmly into the flour, coating both sides thoroughly. Sprinkle additional flour if needed to ensure complete coverage. Let rest for about 5 minutes before frying.
   ≈5:40
7. 7
   First fry: heat the oil over medium heat until hot (test with a bamboo skewer—bubbles rising indicate proper temperature). Gently place the chicken in the oil without moving it initially, allowing the crust to form. Fry for about 1–2 minutes until light golden brown, then remove. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces.
   ≈6:51
8. 8
   Second fry: increase the heat to medium-high until the oil just begins to smoke. Working one piece at a time, re-fry each chicken piece until deep golden brown. Double frying ensures maximum crispiness and removes excess oil.
   ≈8:27
9. 9
   Season and serve: sprinkle the five-spice salt mixture on both sides of each hot chicken cutlet to your preferred amount. Cut into desired pieces and serve while still warm and crispy.
   ≈9:00