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Crispy Spicy Honey Buffalo Popcorn Chicken Bites

Crispy Spicy Honey Buffalo Popcorn Chicken Bites - featured image
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Crispy, spicy, sweet, and completely snackable popcorn chicken bites with a shatteringly crisp coating and sticky-sweet buffalo glaze. Perfect for game day, movie night, or any time you need a little crispy, spicy joy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • Neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut) for frying
  • 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs until well combined.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Whisk until evenly distributed. In a second shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk-egg mixture.
  3. Working in batches, dip chicken pieces into the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Return to the flour mixture for a second coating, pressing firmly to create craggy edges. Place coated pieces on a plate or baking sheet.
  4. Pour about 2 inches of neutral oil into a heavy-bottomed pot. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with a wire rack.
  5. Carefully lower 6-8 pieces of chicken into the hot oil using tongs. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Transfer to the wire rack to drain. Repeat with remaining batches, letting oil return to 350°F between batches.
  6. While chicken fries, combine Frank’s RedHot, honey, butter, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally, until butter is melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt to taste.
  7. Place fried chicken in a large mixing bowl. Pour warm sauce over the top and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

The double-dredge technique (flour, egg wash, flour again) is essential for the shatteringly crisp crust. Keep oil at a steady 350°F. Only sauce what you plan to eat immediately to keep the coating crispy. For best results, let fried chicken rest on wire rack for 2 minutes before tossing in sauce. Store unsauced chicken separately from sauce for leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: popcorn chicken, buffalo chicken, spicy honey buffalo, crispy chicken bites, game day snack, fried chicken, buffalo wings alternative

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/crispy-spicy-honey-buffalo-popcorn-chicken-bites-easy-recipe/