One of the most loved starters and snack items, chicken popcorns are crispy bite-size delights that are perfect to fit into any menu. My first encounter with chicken popcorn happened when I was a kid. It was my first visit to KFC and the first thing I ate there (chicken popcorn) has kept me hooked to it to date. Served with a sriracha mayo dip, these tiny cubes of delight tugged at my heartstrings in the first bite itself. However, my heart broke when my first attempt at making chicken popcorn turned out to be futile. The popcorns were soggy and undercooked from inside. After many such failed trials and many YouTube videos, I finally learned how to make KFC-style chicken popcorns at home. And to help you relish chicken popcorns at home, I have curated some easy tips that helped me do the same.
1.Cutting The Pieces Right
For getting small, bite-size chicken, cut chicken breasts and thighs into one-inch cubes.
2.Marination
Marinate the chicken pieces with ginger garlic paste, oregano, paprika and salt at least 30 minutes before frying.
3.Seasoning The Flour
Don’t forget to season the flour and panko bread crumbs with salt, pepper powder and paprika for added flavour.
4.Temperature Of The Oil
Make sure your oil isn’t too hot or too cold for the chicken. Fry the chicken on a medium-high flame to cook them through along with a crispy golden exterior. Frying the chicken piece in hot oil will lead to a burnt exterior and an undercooked interior whereas frying them on a low flame will make them chewy and oily.
5.Second Spice Coating
The secret to perfect KFC-style chicken popcorn is seasoning the fried popcorn with spices. Add paprika, oregano, salt, pepper powder, garlic powder and onion powder to a bowl and toss the fried chicken pieces to coat them evenly with the spices.
We hope these easy tips will help you make perfectly crispy and delicious chicken popcorn at home. Don’t forget to follow the detailed recipe and try making them at home this weekend.