Delve into the world of crispy delights with this simple and quick Popcorn Chicken recipe, inspired by the iconic KFC. Perfect as a snack, party treat, or appetizer, this crunchy bite-sized chicken, also known as Chicken Pop or Popcorn Nuggets, is a hit with kids and adults alike.
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Unlike traditional fried chicken that demands lengthy marination, this version is ready in just 30 minutes with a mere 10-minute marination time. Follow along for a straightforward guide to making this universally loved, kid-friendly snack at home, complete with a unique spice marinade for that extra zing.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To create this mouth-watering Popcorn Chicken, you'll need a set of simple, easily accessible ingredients found in most grocery stores. Here's what you'll need:
Marination Ingredients:
- Boneless Chicken: Choose bite-sized pieces from either chicken breast or thighs.
- Chili Sauce: Select according to preference - plain chili sauce, chili garlic sauce, sambal oelek, sriracha, or any other variety.
- Ginger Garlic Paste: Essential for eliminating the raw meat smell and to add flavor. Substitute with ginger and garlic powder if needed.
- Milk and Lime Juice: These ingredients ensure the chicken remains juicy and succulent after frying. Buttermilk is a suitable alternative.
- Mixed Pepper Powder: A blend of white, black, red, and Sichuan peppers, although any available pepper powder will suffice.
Flour Coating Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: Serves as the base for coating the marinated chicken.
- Corn Starch: Use a ratio of ¼ cup for every ½ cup of flour to achieve the perfect crunch.
- Spices: Chili powder, garlic powder, and pepper powder add flavor. Optional dried herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary can enhance the taste.
How to Make Popcorn Chicken?
Begin your culinary journey with our Popcorn Chicken recipe. We'll guide you through marinating, coating, frying, and seasoning these crispy delights. Follow along with our photos and video for each step, starting with the marination process!
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Popcorn Chicken KFC Style (Chicken Pop)
Ingredients
- 1¼ lb Chicken, boneless (bite-size)
- ¼ cup Milk
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ cup Cornstarch
- Salt, as needed
- 3 tsp Chili Sauce
- 1 tsp Pepper, crushed
- 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Olive Oil
- Oil, for frying
Instructions
To Marinate the Chicken
- Combine boneless chicken pieces, milk, salt, chili sauce, ginger garlic paste, lime juice, and pepper powder in a bowl.
- Mix thoroughly and let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes.
To Coat the Chicken
- Place all-purpose flour, corn starch, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt in a large tray.
- Combine these ingredients well to create a uniform coating mixture.
- Coat each piece of marinated chicken thoroughly with the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is evenly coated and gently shake off any excess flour. The chicken is now prepped and ready for frying.
Frying the Chicken
- Gently place the flour-coated chicken pieces into medium-heated oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the chicken, occasionally stirring, until each piece turns a golden brown color.
- Once fried, remove the Popcorn Chicken from the oil and serve hot, or set aside for final seasoning as desired.
For Spicy Popcorn Chicken
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili sauce, and garlic powder, mixing well to blend the flavors.
- Drizzle this spicy marinade over the fried Popcorn Chicken and toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Your spicy version is now ready to savor and enjoy!
To Serve
- Serve this crispy and crunchy KFC-style Popcorn Chicken with ketchup, mayo, or any of your favorite dips for a delightful taste experience.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Achieving Crunchiness: The key is in the flour mix. Coat the chicken pieces and fry them immediately for that ideal crispy crunch.
- Ensuring Succulent Chicken: Marinate the chicken in the milk marinade, as detailed in the recipe, for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This step guarantees tender, juicy chicken after frying.
- Optimal Oil Temperature: Fry the chicken at medium heat to achieve a perfectly golden and crunchy exterior.
- Spicy Version: For a fiery twist, toss the fried chicken pieces in chili sauce. Alternatively, sriracha or other hot sauces can be used. To intensify the heat, consider using Szechuan Sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Explore our selection of fried chicken recipes, each paired with mouth-watering dips and sauces. Ideal for any event, these crispy, savory delights are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Making Popcorn Chicken in an Air Fryer
Discover the ease and delight of making crispy, homemade Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken with this simple, step-by-step guide.
- Set the Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the Basket: Lightly spray the wire basket with cooking oil.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the flour-coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. (Refer to the marination and flour coating section for preparation details.)
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken for about 7 to 10 minutes. Remember to flip the pieces halfway through to ensure even cooking on both sides.
- Ready to Serve: Your crispy, KFC-style Popcorn Chicken is now ready to enjoy. Serve hot with your favorite dips and sides.
Serving Suggestions
Pair Popcorn Chicken with an array of accompaniments like French Fries and a variety of dips such as chili sauce, honey mustard, garlic parmesan sauce, ketchup, mayo, BBQ sauce, or ranch. This versatile dish is perfect as a snack, a party starter, a delightful addition to kids' lunch boxes, or simply whenever the craving strikes.
Storage Suggestions
For the best taste and texture, enjoy your Popcorn Chicken fresh and within a day. If you need to prepare in advance, store the flour-coated chicken in the refrigerator or freezer. When it's time to cook, thaw them to room temperature and apply a final coating of flour. This extra step ensures you'll get perfectly crunchy and crispy Popcorn Chicken every time.
FAQ
Chicken Nuggets are typically made from minced meat and shaped into small, bite-size pieces. Popcorn Chicken, in contrast, uses whole, boneless chicken pieces, which are flour-coated and fried into shapes that are generally smaller than nuggets.
Absolutely, breadcrumbs can be used for Popcorn Chicken. However, it's noteworthy that the classic KFC Popcorn Chicken skips breadcrumbs, relying solely on a special flour mixture for its iconic crispiness.
Yes, baking is a viable option. Bake the Popcorn Chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes on each side until it's crisp. For an extra crunch, you can broil the pieces on low for 3 to 5 minutes.
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