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Homemade Popcorn Chicken photo

Popcorn Chicken

This Popcorn Chicken is irresistibly crunchy! Coated in panko and seasoned perfectly, it's a delightful snack or meal for any occasion.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Comfort Food, Crispy, Easy, Fried
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups panko crumbs
  • Pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  • Start by cutting the boneless skinless chicken breasts into small, bite-sized cubes. Aim for uniformity in size so that they cook evenly. Place the cubed chicken in a large mixing bowl.
  • Pour the buttermilk over the chicken cubes, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  • In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic salt, and a pinch of pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
  • After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. One piece at a time, take the marinated chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
  • Next, roll each floured chicken piece in the panko crumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
  • In a frying pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces, about 2-3 inches deep.
  • Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally for even cooking.
  • Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the popcorn chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Shallow Dish
  • Frying pan or deep fryer
  • Slotted Spoon
  • Paper towels

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight.
  • Experiment with spices in the flour mixture for a unique twist.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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