Crispy Popcorn Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup (150 g) plain flour
• 450 g boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5 cm chunks
• 250 ml buttermilk
• 80 ml (⅓ cup) FRANK'S RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
• 1 egg, beaten
• Canola or vegetable oil, for frying

directions

1. MIX salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder and onion powder in small bowl. Mix half of the seasoning mixture (about 2½ teaspoons) with flour in medium bowl; set aside. Mix remaining seasoning mixture, buttermilk and Frank’s RedHot® Original Sauce in large bowl. Add chicken, tossing to coat well. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.
2. HEAT about 5 cm of oil in large deep saucepan or cast-iron skillet on medium heat until temperature reaches about 175°C to 185°C (do not fill more than ⅔ of the way with oil).
3. DRAIN chicken, discarding buttermilk marinade. Add beaten egg to bowl with chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Working in batches, toss chicken with flour mixture to coat well.
4. WORKING in batches, carefully place the chicken in hot oil. Cook until golden brown and very crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove from oil using a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain. Serve hot with Frank’s RedHot® Secret Chicken Dip’n Sauce.

   Test Kitchen Tips:

5. Don’t have buttermilk? Mix 1 cup (250 mL) of milk with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of lemon juice or white vinegar.
6. Try making these in your air fryer! To coat chicken, use 1½ cups (about 90 g) of panko breadcrumbs in place of the flour. Spray basket of air fryer and coated chicken lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken in basket being careful not to overcrowd. Air fry at 190°C for 10 to 12 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
7. To prepare in the oven, coat chicken in 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs instead of flour. Place on a foil-lined baking pan, sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Spray chicken lightly with cooking spray, as well. Bake in preheated 190°C oven for 10 to 15 minutes until crispy and cooked through.