Popcorn chicken is a popular snack or appetizer featuring bite-sized pieces of chicken that are breaded and fried until crispy and golden. It’s a delicious treat that’s perfect for serving at parties, game nights, or as a quick and tasty snack. Here’s a straightforward recipe for making popcorn chicken at home:
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Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, coating evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Fry the Popcorn Chicken:
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
- Serve:
- Serve the popcorn chicken hot, optionally with dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy your homemade popcorn chicken as a snack or appetizer, or serve it with sides like fries or coleslaw for a complete meal.
This recipe yields crispy and flavorful popcorn chicken that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Adjust the seasoning to your preference and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade fried chicken bites!
