These crunchy, crispy chicken bits are ideal for any time you’re wanting fried chicken, including game day and park picnics. Served with your favorite dipping sauce, they’ll bring a grin to the faces of children and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 c. buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tbsp. hot sauce
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
- 3 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
- 3/4 c. cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp. seasoned salt
- 1 tsp. mustard powder
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. ground thyme (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step No:01
Combine the buttermilk, egg, spicy sauce, and kosher salt in a sizable basin. Fold to coat after adding the chicken. Mix the flour, cornstarch, mustard powder, seasoned salt, pepper, and thyme (if using) together in a sizable zip-top bag.
Step No:02
Add enough vegetable oil to a big saucepan or Dutch oven to reach a depth of about 1½ inches. Bring the temperature up to 400°F on a deep fry thermometer over medium heat.
Step No:03
Take off half of the chicken and let the excess fall off the buttermilk mixture. All at once, add the chicken to the flour mixture. Until the chicken is thoroughly coated, shake the bag. Shake off any excess coating before removing the chicken and placing it on a sheet pan. Continue with the other half of the chicken.
Step No:04
Gently place eight to ten chicken pieces into the heated oil, dividing them as needed with a spider or slotted spoon. Fry, stirring periodically, for three to four minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a tray covered with paper towels and, if preferred, season with salt. Continue with the leftover chicken. Warm up the food.
Step No:05
Instructions for freezing: Allow the fried popcorn chicken to cool fully before transferring it to a sheet tray. Before placing the pieces in a freezer bag, freeze the popcorn chicken for one hour. Preheat the air fryer or oven to 375°F. To get the chicken hot, bake or air fried it for ten to fifteen minutes.
See Full Recipes: https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a43668266/popcorn-chicken-recipe/