Creating Taiwanese Fried Chicken at home can be a fun and rewarding process. Just follow these steps to achieve a delightful result:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, soy sauce, and sesame oil together.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Ensure all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, five-spice powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until well mixed.
4. Coat the Chicken: Remove marinated chicken pieces from the refrigerator. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating.
5. Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat about 2 inches of cooking oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in small batches. Fry until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes per side. Ensure the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
7. Drain Excess Oil: Once golden and cooked, remove the chicken from oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
8. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle with fresh basil or cilantro for an aromatic touch.
9. Serve Immediately: Enjoy this delectable dish while it’s hot and crispy!

These step-by-step instructions are designed to guide you through the process seamlessly, making your cooking experience enjoyable.