Description
Classic Crispy Batter Popcorn Chicken is a deliciously crunchy and flavorful bite-sized chicken snack. This recipe features tender chicken breast pieces coated in a seasoned flour batter and fried to golden perfection, making it perfect for appetizers, snacks, or meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
Batter Mix
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill 2-3 inches in pot)
Instructions
- Prepare the batter mix: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Make the egg wash: In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until well combined to form a smooth egg wash.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it through the flour mixture. Make sure the chicken is evenly covered with the dry batter.
- Heat oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large pot or Dutch oven to a depth of 2-3 inches and heat it to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.
- Fry the chicken: Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 3 to 5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating fully cooked chicken.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the cooked chicken with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil, preserving their crispiness.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pot while frying to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature for optimal frying results.
- For extra crispiness, double dredge the chicken by repeating the egg wash and flour coating process.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; the popcorn chicken can be paired with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
- Leftover popcorn chicken can be reheated in an air fryer to maintain crispiness.
