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Crispy Popcorn Chicken

Crispy Popcorn Chicken: Irresistibly Easy Comfort Food

Crispy Popcorn Chicken is a crowd-pleasing snack or main dish, combining tender chicken with a crunchy coating.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cubed
  • 1 cup buttermilk or yogurt as substitute
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
For the Marinade
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground preferred
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Breading
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour primary coating
  • ½ cup cornstarch for enhanced crispiness
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 2 teaspoons dried herbs thyme and oregano
For Frying
  • 6-8 cups vegetable or canola oil
For Dipping Sauces
  • 1 bottle ketchup
  • 1 bottle Ranch dressing
  • 1 bottle Honey mustard
  • 1 bottle BBQ sauce

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • separate bowl
  • large deep pot
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  2. While the chicken marinates, mix your breading ingredients in a separate bowl. Combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. Whisk thoroughly.
  3. Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. For an extra crispy finish, double-dredge the chicken.
  4. In a large, deep pot, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Monitor the oil temperature.
  5. Remove the chicken and drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For an extra-crispy coating, consider double-dipping each chicken piece in the buttermilk and then the flour mixture.

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