Sweet And Spicy Chicken Popcorns – SUPER EASY RECIPE 🍗🔥🌟
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a delicious chicken popcorn recipe that combines the perfect blend of sweetness and spice, look no further! These sweet spicy chicken bites are an irresistible easy fried chicken snack that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Whether you’re preparing for a party or a quick weeknight dinner, this sweet and spicy chicken popcorns recipe delivers crispy texture, bold flavors, and effortless preparation. Discover how to create your own batch of crunchy, flavorful chicken popcorns that are ideal for anyone who loves tasty, bite-sized snacks.
2. Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Start by rinsing and patting dry the chicken pieces. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. For a crispier texture, double-dip by returning the coated chicken to the egg and then back into the flour mixture.
Frying the Chicken Popcorns
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4-6 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy chicken popcorns and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Making the Sweet and Spicy Sauce
While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce in a small saucepan by combining honey, soy sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar. Warm over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and well mixed. Adjust the spiciness by adding more hot sauce if desired.
Tossing the Chicken with the Sauce
Once the chicken popcorns are cooked and drained, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm sweet and spicy sauce over the chicken and toss gently until evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
4. Storage Tips
To preserve the crispiness of your easy fried chicken snack, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 to regain some of the original crunch without losing flavor. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.
5. Serving Suggestions
This chicken popcorn recipe is perfect as an appetizer or party snack. Serve your sweet spicy chicken bites with a side of korean ground beef bowl or delicious pasta for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor. For dips, consider offering sweet chili sauce or creamy ranch dressing to enhance the taste experience.
6. Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking for a healthier version of this easy fried chicken snack, consider baking the coated chicken pieces in a Ninja Air Fryer instead of frying. This method reduces the oil content while maintaining the crispy exterior. Additionally, substitute honey with agave syrup or coconut nectar for a lighter sweetness.
7. Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Popcorns
- Use thin, boneless chicken for even cooking and maximum crunch.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for optimal frying.
- Double-dipping the chicken creates an extra crispy coating.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce while hot to ensure the glaze sticks.
- Adjust spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha or hot sauce according to taste.
8. FAQs
Q: Can I make this sweet spicy chicken bites ahead of time?
While it’s best to enjoy this easy fried chicken snack immediately for maximum crispiness, you can prepare the chicken ahead and toss with the sauce just before serving. Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Q: What are some good dips for these sweet and spicy chicken popcorns?
Great dipping options include sweet chili sauce, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing. These dips complement the spicy and sweet flavors of the chicken bites.
Q: Can I air fry these easy fried chicken snack instead of frying?
Absolutely! Use a Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 and cook at 375°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method provides a healthier alternative with comparable crispiness.
9. Conclusion
Enjoy making this chicken popcorn recipe that merges the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly with crispy texture. Whether serving as a quick snack or part of a larger meal, these sweet spicy chicken bites are guaranteed to be a hit. Embrace the simplicity of this easy fried chicken snack and elevate your appetizer game effortlessly. Happy cooking!
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Sweet And Spicy Chicken Popcorns – SUPER EASY RECIPE
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if gluten-free flour used)
Description
Discover our irresistibly crispy and flavorful Sweet And Spicy Chicken Popcorns – the perfect easy fried chicken snack that combines sweetness and spice in every bite. Ideal for parties, quick dinners, or anytime craving a delicious, bite-sized treat, this recipe ensures maximum crunch with a bold flavor profile that will impress everyone.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken pieces. In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Beat eggs in a separate bowl. Dip chicken pieces into eggs, then coat thoroughly with the flour mixture. Double-dip for extra crispiness.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry coated chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar. Warm over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Adjust spiciness as desired.
- In a large bowl, toss crispy chicken popcorns with the warm sweet and spicy sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature remains at 350°F for crispy results.
- Double-dipping the chicken enhances the crunchiness of the coating.
- For a healthier version, bake the coated chicken in an air fryer instead of frying.
- Serve with dips like sweet chili sauce or ranch for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
