The joy of watching a movie at home with family, a bowl of popcorn chicken in hand, is unmatched—it’s like the comfort of a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. This recipe? It’s crispy, tender, and just a bit nostalgic, reminding me of childhood afternoons spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, her apron dusted with flour. Trust me, this crispy baked popcorn chicken will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds), even if they’re not big on poultry!
Steps
- Cut thawed chicken breasts into small cubes for even cooking. Season the cubes with salt and a bit of sugar, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to keep them firm.
- While the chicken is chilling, combine flour, powdered sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the eggs and milk.
- Use a breading bowl to coat the chilled chicken pieces with the flour mixture. Once coated, dip the pieces into the egg and milk mixture for a thorough coating.
- After dipping, coat the chicken pieces again with the flour mixture. Set them aside while preheating your oven to 400°F.
- Spray a sheet pan with cooking spray and arrange the chicken pieces evenly. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to enhance crispiness.
- Bake the chicken in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through and giving another spray of olive oil. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once baked, the popcorn chicken should be crispy and golden-brown, thanks to the paprika and chili powder. Serve with your choice of dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, thawed and cubed
- Salt, to taste
- A pinch of sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- Cooking spray (preferably olive oil)
FAQ
- How can I ensure the popcorn chicken is cooked thoroughly?
- Use an internal meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
- Why should I refrigerate the chicken before cooking?
- Chilling the seasoned chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps maintain its firmness during cooking.
- Can I make larger chicken pieces using this recipe?
- Yes, you can create larger chicken nuggets by cutting the chicken into bigger cubes and adjusting the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
- What tips do you have for achieving crispy popcorn chicken?
- Flipping the chicken halfway through baking and spraying it with olive oil or cooking spray enhances the crispiness.
- How versatile is this popcorn chicken recipe?
- The popcorn chicken can be enjoyed on its own, or it can be added to salads or wraps for extra flavor and protein.
Tips
- Chill the Chicken: For the best texture, allow the seasoned chicken cubes to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This step helps the chicken remain firm during the baking process.
- Double-Coating Technique: After initially breading the chicken, dip it in a milk and egg mixture before breading it a second time. This extra step ensures a flavorful, crispy coating that enhances the overall texture.
- Crispiness Boost: To achieve extra-crispy popcorn chicken, spray the tops of the breaded chicken pieces with olive oil or your preferred cooking spray before baking. Additionally, flip them halfway through the cooking time and give another quick spray to both sides.
- Versatile Usage: While the recipe is designed for bite-sized popcorn chicken, you can easily adapt it to make larger chicken nuggets by cutting the chicken into bigger pieces and adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Equipment
- Cooks Choice XL Better Breader Bowl – This specialized tool is used for battering the chicken pieces efficiently.
- Internal Meat Thermometer – Essential for ensuring the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Rack and Sheet Pan Combo – While many people might have a standard sheet pan, a rack and sheet pan combo can help achieve even cooking and crispiness.
