Description
This Oven Baked Popcorn Chicken recipe offers a crispy, flavorful alternative to traditional fried chicken nuggets. Using a seasoned flour and egg coating, the chicken pieces are baked to golden perfection for a healthier, delicious snack or meal option.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- Salt, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
Coating Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups of flour
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Wet Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt and sugar over the chicken pieces, then refrigerate them for about 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate and improve texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute all the spices.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until fully blended to create the egg wash.
- Coat the Chicken: First, dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip it into the egg and milk mixture, and finally coat it again in the flour mixture for an extra crispy layer.
- Prepare the Baking Tray: Spray a sheet pan thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and to promote a crispy crust on the chicken.
- Arrange and Spray: Place the coated chicken pieces evenly spaced on the prepared sheet pan. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with cooking spray to enhance browning during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken nuggets in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through, flip the chicken pieces and spray again with cooking spray to ensure even crispiness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once golden and cooked through, remove from oven and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade oven baked popcorn chicken!
Notes
- Refrigerating the chicken after seasoning helps improve flavor and texture.
- Spraying with cooking spray before and during baking promotes a crunchy, golden crust without frying.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow proper air circulation for even crispiness.
- Adjust spices based on your heat preference, reducing chili powder if you prefer milder chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 125g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
