KFC Spicy Popcorn Chicken is whats cooking today!
As you may have guessed by my recent posts I am on this fried chicken kick! I have eaten so much fried foods in the last few weeks its unbelievable. I am not complaining though, as really who does not like fried chicken?
I love popcorn and I love fried chicken so this one is for me! This recipe is so easy as the spice rub can be used for both marinating the chicken and for the seasoned flour. This is no chicken nugget, this is made with real chicken, not compressed meat. Perfect for the kiddos!
Popcorn chicken was invented and marketed for KFC. It was first launched in the US in March of 1992, and later to the rest of the world in September of the same year. When it was first launched it was branded as KFC Popcorn Chicken, but later rebranded as KFC Popcorn nuggets.
This recipe is for Popcorn Chicken with my version of what I think popcorn chicken should taste like.
I used chicken thighs for this recipe, as it is more juicy and moist. Honestly I have not tried it with chicken breast so I don’t know how it would be. Cut the chicken thighs into 1-1.5 inch pieces. You don’t want big chunks for this. Because the pieces are smaller you don’t need a long marinating period.
If you are making this for the kids you can totally leave out the cayenne pepper. If you are making it for adults up the pepper game as it goes great with beer! You want to fry these for no more than 6 minutes. They are small pieces so a shorter cooking time. Use a thermometer if you are using a pot on the stove with oil versus a fryer.
A fryer really makes it easy as you don’t have to constantly monitor the temp of the oil. Set up your breading station so you are not walking back and forth once you start the process. I used a small mesh strainer to dunk my breaded pieces into the water the first time. Way easier than dipping the little pieces 1 at a time.
To get those beautiful, flakes use that rocking gentle rocking motion with your hands. Check out the video below to see the proper technique. Technique is important if you want to create those small flakes those fast food restaurants are known for.
Use flour for your breading. It does not burn as quickly as breadcrumbs will. And do not use olive oil for frying. Use good ole vegetable oil.
Give this easy recipe a try the next time the kids have a few friends for a sleepover! Be sure to head on over to my YouTube Channel and subscribe for more exciting content!🤪
And have you checked out my Spicy Fried Chicken and Spicy Chicken Sandwich recipes?
Click here for Popcorn Chicken recipe.
