1. Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using).
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Drain the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Fry the Chicken
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there is enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve:
- Serve the Popcorn Chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or ketchup. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Popcorn Chicken
- Even Sizes: Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) to ensure the chicken is crispy and golden brown.
- Drain Well: Let the fried chicken pieces drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Popcorn Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the flour mixture for extra flavor.
- Parmesan Chicken: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the flour mixture for a cheesy twist.
Conclusion
Popcorn Chicken is a fun and delicious snack or meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy coating and juicy interior, they’re sure to be a hit.
Key Takeaway
The secret to perfect Popcorn Chicken lies in a flavorful marinade, a well-seasoned coating, and frying at the right temperature. By following this guide, you’ll create delicious and crispy Popcorn Chicken every time.
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Enjoy your Popcorn Chicken!