Popcorn Chicken

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 5 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups panko crumbs
  • 1 cup oil, vegetable or canola

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, and garlic powder.
Pour the buttermilk into a separate bowl and the panko crumbs onto a plate.
Dredge a piece of chicken into the flour mixture until evenly coated then dip in buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Lastly, roll in panko bread crumbs until evenly coated. Transfer to a platter.
Preheat 1-inch of oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Adjust the heat to keep the oil at 350˚F. Fry the popcorn chicken in small batches, leaving space between each piece and flipping as needed. Fry until golden brown and 165˚F at the deepest part of the chicken on a thermometer.
Remove the popcorn chicken from the oil and let it rest on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.