If you’re looking for a delicious chicken recipe, then this KFC popcorn chicken recipe is the perfect option for you. It’s easy to make, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, you can even reheat it in your air fryer, so you don’t have to worry about preparing the dish in the oven.
Seasonings
If you love popcorn chicken and want to try it yourself, there are several different ways to make it. Some versions are very similar to KFC Popcorn Chicken, while others are a lot healthier and more versatile.
One of the easiest ways to make popcorn chicken is to brine the chicken. It makes the chicken softer and more tender. You can also add herbs and spices for a delicious flavor. For a spicy twist, you can use hot sauce.
Another way to get the same taste is to use an air-fryer. Air-fryers allow you to heat oil and cook chicken without frying. This is a great way to enjoy KFC Popcorn Chicken without the hassle of a deep fryer.
If you’re looking to spice up your popcorn chicken, try some spicy seasonings. You can use chili powder, crushed black pepper, or red chilli powder. However, be sure to measure your spice. The heat level of chili powder is a lot higher than the other ones.
Another popular method of making popcorn chicken is baking it. Baking will not yield the same crunchy texture as frying, but it is a much healthier option.
You can also freeze popcorn chicken. It can be stored for up to three months. Just be sure to let it cool before freezing.
Make sure to serve your popcorn chicken with a good dipping sauce. Mayonnaise is a popular choice, but you can also try Sriracha Mayo Dip. Honey BBQ Dip is another tasty option.
If you want to serve your popcorn chicken to a crowd, it can be doubled or tripled. Be sure to let it sit at room temperature for at least ten minutes.
If you’re not in the mood to make popcorn chicken, try chicken thighs. These are a delicious and easy way to prepare a snack for your family. They can be cooked in an air-fryer or in the oven. To ensure the chicken thighs are crispy, don’t dunk them in the oil.
You can also add panko breadcrumbs to the batter for a crunchier coating.
Deep fry
Deep fry KFC Popcorn Chicken is small, bite sized pieces of chicken coated with breading and fried. It is available in upscale restaurants and budget fast food chains around the world.
This snack is served with a variety of sauces. The best way to serve popcorn chicken is with a favorite dipping sauce.
When preparing popcorn chicken, the first step is to cut the chicken into small, bite sized pieces. After cutting, you can then marinate the chicken in buttermilk for up to eight hours. This helps tenderize the meat and keeps it moist.
You will also need a pan that is large enough to hold the chicken pieces. If you are cooking a lot of popcorn chicken, it is best to use two pans. That way, you can speed up the process and ensure that you get crisp, crunchy popcorn chicken.
When frying chicken, it is important to use a deep fryer that is at a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to preheate the oil to this temperature.
Once you have the oil hot, place the chicken pieces in the pan. Fry them until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon and drain off the excess oil.
Next, mix the ingredients for the flour mixture. This mixture is made up of plain flour, cornflour, baking powder, salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. In addition, you can add in panko breadcrumbs if you desire.
Now, dip the fried chicken pieces in the mixture and coat them with the breadcrumbs. Place the pieces on a paper towel to absorb the excess grease. Be sure not to overfill the pan. Otherwise, the breading will fall off of the chicken and become soggy.
Let the chicken cool before storing in the refrigerator. You can freeze leftover popcorn chicken for up to three months.
Finally, make sure to store the popcorn chicken in an airtight container. If you are reheating it, it is a good idea to remove it from the pan and put it on a wire rack.
Bake
Popcorn Chicken is a fun snack that can be made and stored in the fridge for a few days. It’s a healthier alternative to fast food and is better for your waistline.
Before you start making popcorn chicken, you’ll need to prepare some ingredients. The first step is to season the chicken. You can use salt, chili powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or even paprika.
Once you’ve seasoned the chicken, it’s time to fry it. Make sure you’re using high-quality oil. This will give your chicken a nice golden color. Keep an eye on the temperature of the oil. If it gets too hot, the breading will become soggy.
The pan should be heated on high heat until it shimmers. If it doesn’t, it could produce too much smoke. That’s why you should use an oil with a higher smoking point.
After frying, you should let the popcorn chicken cool. If it’s still warm, it will get soggy and you’ll end up with crumbs. Alternatively, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three months.
Depending on the recipe, you can either fry it or bake it. Both methods will work, though baked chicken won’t have the same crunchy texture as fried.
When you make your own KFC Popcorn Chicken, you can customize it with your favorite spices. These can include salt, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, or even garlic powder.
You can also substitute the buttermilk with 2 cups of milk or vinegar. Try storing the chicken in a sealed container to help prevent it from drying out.
Another method is to brine the chicken. Brined popcorn chicken is easier to eat and makes the chicken soft.
Aside from that, you can also freeze your popcorn chicken for later use. Just make sure you remove the chicken from the brine before baking or frying.
If you want to reheat your popcorn chicken, you can either use the microwave or air fryer. However, the baked version won’t be as crispy as fried popcorn chicken. Regardless of how you cook it, it will taste delicious!
Reheat in the air fryer
If you have popcorn chicken left over, you can reheat it in the air fryer. However, you should check that your air fryer is at a safe temperature before you do so. Otherwise, your chicken might be dry or tasteless. To do this, you can either use a meat thermometer or cut up the chicken.
The cooking time for reheating popcorn chicken in an air fryer will vary. It will take longer for larger pieces of chicken. This is because they need more time to heat through. You may also need to add oil.
Make sure you reheat the chicken to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Chicken that is cooked at a lower temperature will not be crispy. Reheating the chicken multiple times may result in dried or tough chicken. Moreover, reheating the chicken without checking its temperature can lead to food poisoning.
A digital kitchen thermometer is a good cooking tool to have. Checking the temperature of your popcorn chicken is easy.
Before reheating, remove the chicken from the freezer. After it has reached room temperature, place it on a plate covered with a paper towel. Leave it for 20 to 30 minutes.
If the chicken looks dry, spritz it with water before you put it in the air fryer. Once the chicken is heated, flip it over halfway through its cooking time.
Before eating, make sure the popcorn chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees. An Instant Read Meat Thermometer can also be used to verify this.
When the popcorn chicken has been heated through, it should be served with your favorite dipping sauce. Try serving it with Honey BBQ Dip, which is tangy and sweet. Alternatively, serve it with ACV and mustard. These are easy to make.
If you do not want to reheat your KFC Popcorn Chicken in the air fryer, you can cook it in the oven. Follow the same cooking instructions as before. Just do not reheat the chicken more than five times.
Aside from air frying and reheating, you can also freeze your popcorn chicken. This will allow you to have it for several days.