Both are very similar in the cooking process but the coating and seasoning are slightly different. Taiwanese popcorn chicken is made with sweet potato flour coating and seasoned with salt, white pepper, Sichuan peppercorns and paprika. Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken is made with chicken pieces, marinated and coated with cornstarch or potato starch. Fry until crispy golden brown and tossed with onions, bell peppers, salt, pepper, and Chinese five spices seasoning mix.