Crispy Popcorn Chicken
Golden, crispy, and absolutely addictive—this homemade Popcorn Chicken is everything you love about your favorite fast-food version but even better!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 250 g boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp oregano
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
For Frying:
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and oregano.
- Add chicken pieces and mix well.
- Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add a few tablespoons of buttermilk marinade into the dry mix and mix with fingers to create small crumbs for extra crunch.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess liquid drip off.
- Toss chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the coating onto them.
- Let coated chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before frying.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 170-180°C (340-360°F).
- Fry chicken in small batches for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crispy.
- Remove from oil and let rest on a cooling rack to maintain crispiness.
- Serve hot with your favorite dips like garlic mayo, ranch, or spicy ketchup!