Baked Popcorn Chicken Recipe
This Baked Popcorn Chicken recipe delivers crispy, flavorful chicken bites coated in crushed Sour Cream and Onion potato chips for a delightful crunch. Marinated in a seasoned buttermilk mixture and baked to perfection, it’s a healthier alternative to frying that doesn’t compromise on taste. Perfect as a snack or party appetizer, these chicken pieces are garnished with fresh parsley to add a touch of freshness.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 cups reduced fat buttermilk
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Coating and Garnish
- 3 cups crushed Sour Cream and Onion Kettle Brand® Potato Chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Rack: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat a cooling rack with nonstick spray and place it on top of a baking sheet; this setup will allow the chicken to bake evenly and stay crispy.
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken chunks with buttermilk, smashed garlic, dried basil, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper if using, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Marinate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the chicken. After marinating, drain chicken well to remove excess liquid.
- Coat Chicken Pieces: Working in batches, dredge each piece of chicken in the crushed potato chips, pressing gently to ensure the chips adhere and form a crust. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared cooling rack set over the baking sheet. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top to help crisp the coating during baking.
- Bake Until Crisp: Place the baking sheet with chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, turning the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and crispiness. Bake until the chicken is fully cooked inside and the coating is golden and crunchy.
- Serve Garnished: Remove the baked popcorn chicken from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the cayenne pepper or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
- Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat tender and juicy inside while baking.
- Make sure to press the crushed chips firmly onto the chicken to create a crunchy crust.
- If preferred, oven temperature can be adjusted to 425°F for a slightly quicker cooking time but watch closely to avoid burning the coating.
- This recipe works well with other flavored potato chips for varying tastes.
Keywords: popcorn chicken, baked chicken, crispy chicken, healthy snack, potato chip crust, buttermilk marinade, party appetizer
Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/baked-popcorn-chicken-recipe/
