Crispy Homemade Popcorn Chicken Recipe

 

Quick Overview

If you are searching for a delicious and fun snack to share with family and friends, look no further than crispy homemade popcorn chicken. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a crunchy coating that satisfies your cravings. Perfect for game day or a cozy movie night, this treat is sure to impress everyone at the table. Get ready to whip up a batch of these golden bites that will leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken Breast

For this recipe, you will need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken breast is lean and tender, making it ideal for achieving juicy popcorn chicken.

Buttermilk

Use 1 cup of buttermilk to marinate the chicken. Buttermilk adds moisture and helps tenderize the meat while infusing flavor into each piece.

All-Purpose Flour

You will need 1 cup of all-purpose flour for the coating. This flour forms the base of the crispy exterior that gives popcorn chicken its signature crunch.

Cornstarch

In addition to flour, add 1/2 cup of cornstarch. This ingredient enhances the crispiness of the coating and helps it adhere better to the chicken.

Spices

Combine 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. These spices add flavor and depth to your popcorn chicken without overpowering its natural taste.

Black Pepper

Add 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick. The pepper brightens the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Oil

Use enough oil for frying—about 4 cups should suffice. Vegetable oil or canola oil works best as they have a high smoke point and maintain heat well during frying.

Step By Step Recipe: Crispy Homemade Popcorn Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by placing your bite-sized chicken breast pieces in a bowl. Pour in 1 cup of buttermilk and stir until each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight if possible. This step ensures that your chicken remains juicy and flavorful during cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of cornstarch. Then add your spices—garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well blended. This mixture will provide a crunchy yet flavorful coating that makes your popcorn chicken irresistible.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat about 4 cups of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). To test if it’s ready for frying, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately if it’s hot enough.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Pieces

Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Take each piece out one at a time and let any excess buttermilk drip off before placing it into your coating mixture. Ensure each piece is fully covered by pressing down gently on them with your fingers to create an even coat.

Step 5: Frying Time

Carefully place several coated pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry them until they turn golden brown—about 5-7 minutes per batch depending on thickness. Use tongs to turn them occasionally for even cooking.

Step 6: Drain Excess Oil

Once cooked through and golden brown, remove each piece using tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This step allows excess oil to drain off while keeping your popcorn chicken crispy.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

Serve your crispy homemade popcorn chicken immediately while hot alongside dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard for added flavor. They make excellent appetizers or snacks at gatherings!

Storing Leftovers

To store any leftover popcorn chicken, place them in an airtight container once cooled completely. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain their freshness without losing too much crunchiness over time.

Reheating Instructions

When ready to enjoy leftovers again, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the cooled popcorn chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until heated through while retaining their crispiness.

Mistakes to avoid

One common mistake when making crispy homemade popcorn chicken is not drying the chicken thoroughly. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from adhering properly and lead to soggy pieces. To avoid this, pat the chicken with paper towels before seasoning and breading.

Another mistake is using too much oil for frying. While you need enough oil to submerge the chicken, excessive oil can make it greasy. Aim for the right temperature and amount of oil to achieve a perfect golden brown crust without excess fat.

Skipping the marination step is another error. Marinating chicken adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat. Even a short marinade can significantly enhance the taste, so don’t overlook this important process.

Finally, overcrowding the frying pan is a mistake that can lower the oil temperature, resulting in uneven cooking. Fry in smaller batches to ensure each piece cooks thoroughly and gets that desired crispy texture.

Tips and tricks

To achieve perfectly crispy homemade popcorn chicken, start by selecting high-quality chicken thighs or breasts. Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, while breasts provide a leaner option. Regardless of your choice, cut them into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.

Prepare a three-step breading station with seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs or panko. The flour helps adhere to the egg wash; the egg wash ensures that breadcrumbs stick better. Season each layer generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite spices for added flavor.

When frying, use a deep-frying thermometer to monitor oil temperature accurately. Ideal frying temperatures are between 350°F and 375°F (175°C – 190°C). If the oil is too hot, the outside may burn before the inside cooks through; if it’s too cool, you’ll end up with greasy chicken.

After frying, allow your popcorn chicken to rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This prevents steam from accumulating underneath, which can make your chicken soggy. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.

Suggestions for Crispy Homemade Popcorn Chicken

For an extra crunch in your crispy homemade popcorn chicken, consider double-breading each piece. Dip it in flour first, then in egg wash and breadcrumbs again before frying. This technique creates a thicker crust that holds up well during cooking.

Pair your popcorn chicken with various dips such as honey mustard or ranch dressing to elevate your meal experience. These sauces add complementary flavors that balance out the savory notes of the chicken.

You can also experiment by adding spices to your breading mixture or marinating liquid. Paprika can add a smoky flavor while cayenne offers heat for those who enjoy spiciness in their dishes.

Lastly, consider baking as an alternative cooking method for a healthier option. Bake at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to allow hot air circulation around each piece, providing crispiness without deep-frying.

FAQs

What type of chicken is best for crispy homemade popcorn chicken?

The best type of chicken for crispy homemade popcorn chicken is boneless skinless thighs or breasts. Thighs tend to be juicier and offer more flavor, while breasts provide leaner cuts. Choose whichever suits your preference but ensure even cutting for consistent cooking times.

How long should I marinate my popcorn chicken?

Marinating your popcorn chicken for at least 30 minutes will enhance its flavor significantly; however, marinating it for several hours or overnight will yield even better results. Use simple ingredients like buttermilk or yogurt combined with spices to tenderize and season effectively.

Can I make popcorn chicken in an air fryer?

Yes! Making crispy homemade popcorn chicken in an air fryer is possible and healthier than deep frying. Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C), arrange coated pieces in a single layer without overcrowding, and cook until golden brown—about 12-15 minutes—flipping halfway through.

What can I serve with crispy homemade popcorn chicken?

Crispy homemade popcorn chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides such as coleslaw, fries, or fresh veggies like carrot sticks or celery hearts. Complement these with tasty dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue sauce for an enjoyable meal experience suitable for all ages.

How do I store leftover popcorn chicken?

To store leftover crispy homemade popcorn chicken properly, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking; it will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results when serving again.

Is it possible to freeze homemade popcorn chicken?

Yes! You can freeze crispy homemade popcorn chicken after cooking it thoroughly and allowing it to cool completely. Place cooled pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until frozen solid before transferring them into freezer bags to prevent sticking together when stored long-term.

Summary

In summary, making crispy homemade popcorn chicken involves avoiding common mistakes such as insufficient drying and overcrowding during frying while employing effective tips like double-breading and precise temperature control. Pairing with delicious dips enhances flavors further while proper storage ensures leftovers remain enjoyable later on. With these insights in hand, you’re ready to create mouthwatering popcorn chicken at home!

 

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