Make sure to wash your hands before and after handling the raw chicken. [2] X Research source It’s best to use a flat knife to cut the raw chicken. A serrated knife can catch on the stringy parts of the breast. Try to cut all of the pieces to the same size so they’ll cook at the same rate when you place them in the oil. Trim away any fat or cartilage that you find in the chicken breast.
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can combine 1 cup (237 ml) of regular milk with 1 tsp (5 ml) of lemon juice to replace it.
You can chill the chicken and buttermilk mixture for up to 8 hours.
You can customize the seasonings for the popcorn chicken breading to suit your tastes. For example, you might mix some garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, or cajun seasoning into the breading.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the buttermilk and shake well so you don’t add excess moisture to the breading bag.
You can substitute peanut oil for the canola or vegetable oil if you prefer. It usually provides a darker golden brown color to the chicken when it’s done frying, though.
If you’re not sure whether the chicken is cooked through, cut a piece in half and make sure that the center is no longer pink. For a healthier version of popcorn chicken, you can bake the coated chicken in the oven. Just swap the flour in the breading for 2 ½ cups of Corn Flakes that have been crushed in the food processor and use ½ cup of flour to coat all of the chicken pieces before tossing them in the breading. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 20 minutes, turning them over halfway through. Make them extra crunchy by broiling them for an additional 2 minutes. [10] X Research source
While you want to allow the chicken to drain of the oil so they’re crunchy, don’t let them sit too long. You want to serve them while they’re still hot.
You can also sauce the popcorn chicken directly. Toss it while it’s still warm in a sauce of your choosing, such as honey barbecue or spicy buffalo, so all of the pieces are coated and serve.
