Popcorn chicken is an American dish consisting of tiny, bite-sized pieces of chicken that have been breaded or battered and deep-fried. The name of the dish refers to the small pieces of chicken that are reminiscent of popcorn after they have been fried.
Direction:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, and dried thyme to create a seasoning mixture.
3. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the seasoning mixture until all the chicken is evenly coated.
4. In a separate shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of black pepper.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it completely.
7. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken pieces in the skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
8. Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
9. Once all the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
11. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
12. Serve the popcorn chicken with your choice of dipping sauce, such as ranch or BBQ, and enjoy! You can also sprinkle some extra salt and pepper on top, if desired.
