Crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive, Korean popcorn chicken is like a flavor explosion in every bite, a little party for your taste buds. I first tried it on a trip to Seoul, where the streets buzzed with life and the air was filled with tantalizing aromas—this dish was the standout, a culinary treasure amidst the chaos. Whether you’re a spice lover or just in need of a snack that’s a little different, this recipe is your ticket to a delicious adventure.
Steps
- Combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl, ensuring the mixture is well-blended. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with lemon juice until smooth.
- In a large pot, heat oil to a depth of about 2 inches over medium heat until ready for frying.
- Coat the chicken cubes in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat again in the flour mixture.
- Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in small batches. Fry each batch for 7 to 8 minutes until the pieces are golden brown, then transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups cooking oil (or as needed)
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2706 | Total Fat: 108g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 576mg | Sodium: 1488mg | Total Carbohydrate: 294g | Dietary Fiber: 12g | Total Sugars: 6g | Protein: 126g | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 156mg | Iron: 24mg | Potassium: 1248mg
FAQ
- What is popcorn chicken?
- Popcorn chicken consists of small, crispy pieces of deep-fried chicken, perfect for a family meal. They are often served with sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.
- How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
- To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of flour into it. If the flour sizzles, then the oil is ready for frying.
- Can I adjust the seasoning in this recipe?
- Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. Some people like to add more salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, or even chili powder for an extra kick.
- What are the nutritional details of this dish?
- Each serving contains approximately 451 calories, 18g of fat, 49g of carbohydrates, and 21g of protein. These values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet and may vary depending on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
- How many servings does this recipe make?
- The original recipe yields about 6 servings of delicious popcorn chicken.
Tips
- Enhance the flavor of your popcorn chicken by increasing the amount of salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder in the flour mixture. You can also add red chili powder for an extra kick.
- To ensure your chicken is extra flavorful, consider adding more lemon juice to the egg mixture before coating the chicken pieces.
- Test the oil temperature by dropping a small amount of flour into it; if it sizzles, the oil is ready for frying.
- For a perfectly crispy texture, make sure to shake off excess flour and egg before placing the chicken pieces into the oil.
Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Heavy-Duty Pot: For frying the chicken pieces in oil.
- Deep Fry Thermometer: To ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing flour and seasoning, and for the egg mixture.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For safely lowering chicken pieces into hot oil and removing them after frying.
