Popcorn chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It is a popular dish that is loved by people of all ages, and it is perfect for any occasion, whether it is a party, a movie night, or just a quick snack.
Ingredients
To make popcorn chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
Instructions
Here are the steps to make delicious popcorn chicken:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken into small bite-sized pieces, and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the flour and seasoning stick to the chicken better.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, mix together the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg mixture, and coat it in the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken until it is golden brown and crispy, which should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve the chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Nutrition
The nutritional information for this popcorn chicken recipe varies depending on the size of the chicken pieces, the amount of oil used for frying, and the dipping sauce used. However, here is a rough estimate of the calories and macronutrients in one serving of popcorn chicken:
Calories: 350-400
Protein: 20-25 grams
Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
Fat: 15-20 grams
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the best popcorn chicken:
For a healthier alternative, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is cooked through and crispy.
Experiment with different seasonings to give your popcorn chicken a unique flavor. You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices like curry powder or chili flakes.
If you want to make the chicken extra crispy, you can double-coat it by repeating the dredging process twice.
For a fun twist, you can use different types of breadcrumbs, such as seasoned breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or crushed crackers.
Try serving your popcorn chicken with different dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or sriracha mayo.
Conclusion
Popcorn chicken is a delicious and versatile snack that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a tasty and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself how delicious popcorn chicken can be?