Popcorn Chicken is something we order out, but not something we often make at home. However, once you do, I believe you will be hooked like I was. With my new book contract, 30-Minute Meals for Families due in bookstores June 2014, I had to come up with over 100 quick and easy meals. This was one of those recipes.
This recipe is fast, easy, and absolutely one of my favorite savory dishes to date. Give this one a try and you will be glad you did. My family devoured it in seconds. Hey! We are a busy family just like yours. It always feels good when I can get a delicious dinner on the table while getting my children to their many activities.
2 lbs. boneless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 tsp. Tabasco sauce
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp.black pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
pinch of cayenne pepper
olive oil for frying
1. Cut chicken into 1 inch chuncks,
2. Combine buttermilk and Tobasco sauce in glass bowl. Add chicken.
3. Let chicken soak in buttermilk for 20 minutes.
4. In shallow bowl, combine flour garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
5. Using a slotted spoon, remove chicken from buttermilk and coat in flour mixture until all sides are coated. You may need to do this is 2 batches.
6. Heat 5 inches of oil in large stock pot to 375 degrees.
7. In two different batches, lift chicken from flour mixture, shaking off excess and carefully add to hot oil.
8. Cook until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.
9. Serve with honey mustard sauce, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing.
Note: The chicken cooks surprisingly fast.
