Crispy Popcorn Chicken
Making crispy popcorn chicken from scratch is easier than you think! It’s perfect as a snack, appetizer or a quick lunch and can be made in advance.
Servings: 4
Calories: 466
Ingredients
- ½ pound chicken breast , cut into tiny pieces, see note 1 (225 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (70 grams)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (100 grams)
- black pepper , a generous pinch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried herbs de provence , see note 2
- 1 egg , large
- 2 tablespoons milk
- oil for frying, see note 3
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and mix them with kitchen thongs so that the salt is distributed as evenly as possible.
- In a bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, black pepper, paprika and herbs de Provence and set aside.
- In another bowl, beat egg with milk until combined.
- Coat chicken pieces in flour, dip them in egg and coat with breadcrumb mix. For flour, you can use either a ziploc bag (the quickest approach) or a bowl. For breadcrumbs and egg mix I suggest bowls.
- Heat oil in a wide pot. Check if the temperature is hot by dropping 1 breaded chicken piece in. If it is bubbling rich after the chicken piece hits the oil, then it’s ready.
- When frying, don’t over-crowd the pot. Take the chicken out when it has nice dark brown color and floats on the surface. Place onto a plate lined with paper kitchen towel.
- Best enjoyed warm!
Notes
- Cutting the chicken into similar-looking pieces will result in even frying.
- Instead of herbs de Provence you can use what you have on hand: a combination of thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary.
- Use oil with a high smoke point: e.g. refined avocado, vegetable, sunflower or peanut oil. You will need at least 3 cups of oil (about 750 milliliters).
- Cooking time may vary, depending on the size of chicken pieces and the temperature of oil, but it should not take long.
- Serve with a dip (e.g.: Thai sweet chili sauce or garlic aioli) as appetizer, in a French baguette with cheese and veggies or in a tortilla wrap.
- More tips and serving ideas and answers to FAQ are part of the post above this recipe card.
Nutrition Facts
Crispy Popcorn Chicken
Amount per Serving
Calories
466
% Daily Value*
Fat
29
g
45
%
Saturated Fat
3
g
19
%
Trans Fat
1
g
Cholesterol
78
mg
26
%
Sodium
560
mg
24
%
Potassium
328
mg
9
%
Carbohydrates
31
g
10
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
2
g
2
%
Protein
19
g
38
%
Vitamin A
600
IU
12
%
Vitamin C
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
77
mg
8
%
Iron
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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