Popcorn chicken is a delightful and convenient snack or meal option loved by many. These bite-sized pieces of tender, juicy chicken are coated in a crispy, flavorful crust and are perfect for dipping. Whether served as an appetizer, part of a meal, or simply enjoyed on their own, popcorn chicken offers a satisfying crunch and mouthwatering flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
Making popcorn chicken at home is not only fun, but it also allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and tastier result. You can customize the seasoning to your liking and adjust the cooking methods to suit your preferences. Plus, this recipe is quick to follow and doesn’t require any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s an accessible dish for anyone looking to impress friends or family with a delicious homemade treat.
How to Make Popcorn Chicken
Creating your own popcorn chicken is a simple process that involves marinating the chicken, coating it in a seasoned flour mixture, and frying it to perfection. Following the steps outlined below will help you achieve crispy, golden-brown pieces of chicken that are bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2½-3 cups vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
Whisk the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a wide bowl. This seasoned flour will give your chicken its delicious crunchy coating.
In a deeper bowl, whisk the milk and lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes. After that, whisk in the eggs. Add the chicken pieces to this egg mixture and let them rest for 20 minutes. This step creates a simple marinade that helps tenderize the chicken.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and toss it in the flour mixture. Make sure to turn the chicken on all sides to coat well. This coating is essential for achieving that perfectly crispy texture.
Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the chicken pieces for 3–4 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Using a spider skimmer, carefully remove the chicken and place it on a baking sheet lined with paper towels. For the best results, serve promptly while they are hot and crispy.
How to Serve Popcorn Chicken
Popcorn chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it plain, dip it in your favorite sauces, or pair it with sides like coleslaw or fries. Some popular dipping sauces include barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. You can also create a fun meal by serving popcorn chicken in a basket with a variety of dipping options on the side.
How to Store Popcorn Chicken
If you have any leftover popcorn chicken, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its crispiness. Allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
Tips to Make Popcorn Chicken
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the milk and lemon juice for longer if time permits.
- Make sure your oil is at the right temperature before frying. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil, and if it’s too hot, it will burn.
- For a healthier option, consider baking the popcorn chicken in the oven instead of frying. You can spray the coated chicken with a little oil and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown.
Variations
- Spicy Popcorn Chicken: Add more cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicier kick.
- Herb-Infused Popcorn Chicken: Include fresh or dried herbs like thyme or basil in the flour mix for an herby flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy Popcorn Chicken: Drizzle a sweet heat sauce made with honey and hot sauce over the finished chicken for a unique twist.
Crispy Popcorn Chicken
Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Heavy Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup buttermilk for marinating
- 1 tsp hot sauce optional, for extra flavor
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
- In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade and dredge in flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure coating sticks.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauce of choice.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for popcorn chicken. They tend to be juicier and can add a different flavor, but ensure they are cut into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch and other ingredients are gluten-free.
3. What dipping sauces go well with popcorn chicken?
Popular choices include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Choose your favorites!
4. Can I bake popcorn chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake it! Preheat your oven to 400°F, arrange the coated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet, and spray lightly with oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
By making your own popcorn chicken, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying dish right at home. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a crispy and flavorful snack that everyone will love. Enjoy!
Did You Try This Recipe ?
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
