Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, cut into small bite-sized cubes
- All-purpose flour (enough to coat the chicken)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Paprika (to taste)
- Oil (for deep frying)
Instructions:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with a generous seasoning of salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Toss the seasoned chicken with all-purpose flour until all pieces are well-coated.
Step 2: Double Coating
- Place the floured chicken in batches into a strainer.
- Dip the strainer with chicken briefly into a bowl of water, ensuring all pieces get wet.
- Immediately recoat the wet chicken pieces in all-purpose flour. This double coating will help create a crispier texture.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the double-coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, usually about 3-5 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and drain on a plate lined with absorbent paper towels.
Step 4: Serving
- Once all the chicken is fried and the excess oil has been drained, transfer the chicken popcorn to a serving plate.
- Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or a spicy mayo.
Tips:
- Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking that it’s no longer pink in the middle. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is recommended for chicken.
- For added flavor, you could also season the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, and additional spices according to your preference.
- Be careful with the hot oil to avoid splatters, and always fry in a well-ventilated area.
Enjoy your homemade KFC-style Chicken Popcorn