Crispy Popcorn Chicken Recipe
Crispy popcorn chicken is a flavorful, bite-sized snack or meal featuring tender chicken coated in a crispy, seasoned breading. Perfect for dipping, snacking, or serving as part of a meal, this dish is simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Frying, Air Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if preferred)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or use an air fryer)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Stovetop Frying Method:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside.
2. Make the Breading Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Dip the Chicken: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. Dip each chicken piece into the wet mixture, then coat in the dry breading mixture. Repeat for all pieces.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with dipping sauces.
- Air Fryer Method:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken and Breading: Follow the same steps for dipping and breading the chicken.
3. Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken in a single layer and air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
4. Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture.
- Try different cheese varieties, such as Parmesan or pepper jack, to alter the flavor.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and cornstarch in place of regular flour.
- For a smokier flavor, add smoked paprika to the breading mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/crispy-popcorn-chicken-recipe/
