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Popcorn Chicken

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Popcorn Chicken is made of bite-sized, crispy, and tender pieces of chicken that are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or as a fun main dish. These golden nuggets are easy to make at home and can be served with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy the crunch of perfectly seasoned chicken with every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)

For the Breading:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crunch)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Frying:

  • Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)

For Serving:

  • Dipping sauces (e.g., ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ketchup)

Instructions

🍗 Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    • In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce.
    • Add chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged.
    • Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour for extra tenderness.

🍞 Prepare the Breading:

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

    • In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

  2. Bread the Chicken:

    • Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
    • Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.

  3. For Extra Crunch:

    • Double-dip the chicken by returning it to the buttermilk and back into the flour mixture for a thicker, crunchier coating.

🔥 Fry the Chicken:

  1. Heat the Oil:

    • Pour oil into a deep skillet or pot to a depth of about 2 inches.
    • Heat oil to 175°C (350°F).

  2. Fry in Batches:

    • Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding.
    • Fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (75°C / 165°F internal temperature).

  3. Drain the Chicken:

    • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
    • Lightly sprinkle with salt while still hot.

🍽️ Serve:

  1. Plate the Popcorn Chicken:

    • Serve hot with a variety of dipping sauces.

  2. Pairing Suggestions:

    • These crispy bites are great with fries, a fresh salad, or as part of a party platter.

Notes

  • Baking Option: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
    • Arrange breaded chicken on a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating Tip: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/popcorn-chicken/