Baked popcorn chicken is a delicious and easy-to-prepare snack or meal that is perfect for any occasion. This dish is a healthier twist on traditional fried popcorn chicken, as it is baked in the oven instead of being deep-fried, resulting in a lighter and less greasy version of the classic dish.
How To Make:
To make baked popcorn chicken, start by preparing the chicken. Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a blend of seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dip each piece of chicken into beaten eggs, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it is fully coated.
Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each piece so they cook evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken, is cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
Baked popcorn chicken can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. It can also be served as a topping on salads, in wraps, or on its own as a snack.
This dish is a great alternative to traditional fried chicken as it is lower in calories and fat, and it still packs all the flavor and crunch of the original. It is also easy to customize by adjusting the seasoning blend to your liking or by adding different toppings or sauces.
In summary, baked popcorn chicken is a tasty and healthier version of fried popcorn chicken that is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Use a combination of flour and cornstarch for a crispy coating. The cornstarch will help to create a lighter and crispier texture.
To keep the chicken moist, marinate it in buttermilk for at least an hour before coating it.
Use a wire rack on a baking sheet to help the chicken cook more evenly and get crispy on all sides.
Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve the baked popcorn chicken with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or honey mustard.
Variations:
Spicy Popcorn Chicken: Add some heat to your popcorn chicken by mixing in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the flour mixture.
Cheesy Popcorn Chicken: After the chicken is cooked, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the top and put it back in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
BBQ Popcorn Chicken: Mix some BBQ sauce into the buttermilk marinade and sprinkle some smoked paprika into the flour mixture for a smoky flavor.
Parmesan Popcorn Chicken: Add some grated parmesan cheese to the flour mixture to give the chicken a cheesy and savory flavor.
Lemon Pepper Popcorn Chicken: Add some lemon zest and black pepper to the flour mixture for a bright and zesty flavor.
Sweet and Sour Popcorn Chicken: Mix some honey and vinegar into the buttermilk marinade and serve the chicken with a side of sweet and sour sauce for dipping.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts weighing 1 pound, diced into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
In another bowl, beat the eggs.
Put the panko bread crumbs in a third bowl.
Using the flour mixture, dredge each piece of chicken, brushing off any excess.
Dip the chicken in the beaten eggs, then coat it with the panko bread crumbs.
Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown.