Description
Crispy homemade popcorn chicken delivers irresistible flavor in every golden, bite-sized morsel. Garlic, herbs, and a perfectly seasoned coating make this crowd-pleasing snack an instant favorite you cannot stop munching.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup buttermilk
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare a robust marinade by whisking buttermilk with aromatic seasonings, creating a flavor-packed bath for tender chicken morsels.
- Submerge chicken pieces completely in the seasoned liquid, ensuring each morsel is generously coated and absorbing the zesty profile.
- Allow the chicken to rest and infuse with flavors in the refrigerator, developing a deep, rich taste characteristic of gourmet poultry.
- Craft a crispy coating by blending dry ingredients into a textured, seasoned flour mixture that will transform the chicken’s exterior.
- Carefully extract chicken from the buttermilk bath, allowing excess liquid to cascade back into the container.
- Meticulously dredge each chicken piece through the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to create a thick, even layer of breading.
- Let the coated chicken pieces pause momentarily, allowing the breading to adhere and set for maximum crunchiness.
- Heat oil to precise temperature, creating a bubbling environment perfect for achieving golden, crisp exteriors.
- Delicately lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in small batches to maintain optimal cooking temperature.
- Fry until the chicken reaches a stunning golden-brown color and ensures complete internal cooking.
- Transfer crispy morsels to an absorptive surface, allowing excess oil to drain and preserve the perfect crunch.
- Present these delectable bites alongside zesty condiments like tangy ranch, sweet honey mustard, or fiery spicy mayo for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to ensure tenderness and deep flavor infusion.
- Let coated chicken rest before frying to help the crispy layer adhere perfectly and prevent falling off during cooking.
- Maintain oil at consistent 350°F for even, golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking chicken pieces.
- Swap wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for celiac-friendly version, and use plant-based buttermilk for dairy-free adaptation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg