In a large bowl, season chicken thighs with soy sauce, sugar, five-spice powder, white pepper, ginger, garlic, salt, egg white and flour. Mix well and set aside.

To make a seasoning mixture sprinkled on top of chicken: Combine all the ingredients in the list: five spice powder, pepper, salt and sugar. Set aside.

Heat a wok over medium high heat with oil to deep-fry. Add the battered chicken to the hot oil and fry until it turns lightly golden. Transfer to a plate and leave it cool down for 15 mins.

Fry another time until it’s golden brown and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Before taking them out for 1 minute, add in basil. With a slotted spoon or spider, transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture on top and serve!