Description
This homemade Popcorn Chicken recipe is a crispy, flavorful twist on the famous KFC version. With a simple buttermilk marinade and a seasoned flour coating, these easy shallow-fried chicken bites deliver crispy on the outside and tender on the inside in just 2 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or tenderloin, cut into small cubes
- 180ml (3/4 cup) buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Combine buttermilk, egg, and salt in a bowl. Add the chicken cubes, coat them, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Flour Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
3. Coat the Chicken:
After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour until well-coated.
4. Shallow Fry the Chicken:
Heat a shallow layer of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain and Serve:
Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Spicy Version: Add more cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
- Herb Additions: Add thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marination)
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Shallow Frying
- Cuisine: American
