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–+ servings
Popcorn Chicken

Crispy Popcorn Chicken: The Ultimate Snack You’ll Love

Enjoy the delightful crunch and juicy interior of homemade popcorn chicken, a must-try snack that can be customized to your taste.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 cup buttermilk Can substitute with milk and vinegar mix
  • 1 large egg Beaten
  • 1 pound chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Breading
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Gluten-free flour works as an alternative
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs Traditional breadcrumbs can be used for a softer crunch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adjust based on taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Try smoked paprika for a different flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt Modify according to preference
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Increase amount for more spice
For Frying
  • 2 cups vegetable oil Ensure oil is hot enough for frying
For Dipping
  • dipping sauce Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue, etc.

Equipment

  • Large skillet or deep fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • baking sheet
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk and beaten egg until smooth. Add chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. In a separate bowl, mix flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until combined.
  3. Remove chicken from buttermilk mixture and allow excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
  4. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a skillet or fryer. Fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. For a lighter option, arrange breaded chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and crispy.
  6. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces to enjoy the crunch and juiciness.

Nutrition

Serving: 4piecesCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allowing chicken to marinate enhances tenderness and flavor. Fry in small batches for a perfect texture.

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