Cheesy Popcorn Chicken

Crunchy, cheesy, and oh-so-irresistible! This Cheesy Popcorn Chicken recipe brings a savory twist to your snack game with real chicken thighs and cheese powder.✨ Cheesy dreams do come true with our Cheesy Popcorn Chicken! Crispy, juicy bites of chicken coated in cheesy goodness Perfect for any snack craving! #CheesyPopcornChicken #SnackGoals #FingerFoodFun

What could possibly make a bowl of Popcorn Chicken better? Well, adding a cheesy twist, of course! Say hello to Cheesy Popcorn Chicken, a delicious snack that’s going to satisfy your cheese cravings in the most fun way. We’ve taken the classic bite-sized chicken morsels and infused them with the irresistible flavour of cheese powder – the same stuff you’d sprinkle on your popcorn or fries. Let me tell you, this combo is pure snack heaven.

I’ve made the regular version before, and it’s hard to stop nibbling once you start. But by adding that cheesy powder magic, these crunchy, juicy chicken bites go from great to absolutely addicting.

For those unfamiliar with Popcorn Chicken, it’s made up of small, bite-sized pieces of chicken, breaded and fried to golden perfection. They’re crispy, fun to eat, and resemble popcorn kernels in size, hence the name. The bite-sized nature makes it a perfect grab-and-go snack or a fun party dish.

Popcorn Chicken was first introduced to the world by KFC in the early 1990s, thanks to food technologist Gene Gagliardi. He came up with the idea, which was first test-marketed in the U.S. in 1992, and by September that same year, it became available nationwide. The genius behind the name lies in how these little chicken bites “pop” in your mouth, just like popcorn!

Over time, Popcorn Chicken has become a hit worldwide – from the U.S. to the UK, Canada, Australia, and even here in New Zealand. Its crispy, juicy goodness makes it a favourite for on-the-go snacking or for parties where finger food is a must.

The first time I had Popcorn Chicken was right here in New Zealand at KFC. To be honest, I was excited, but the experience fell a bit short – it just didn’t have the crunchy texture I was expecting. Instead, it felt more like smaller, less crispy chicken nuggets. I remember thinking, “Is this made with that pink goo used for nuggets or its an over tenderised chicken breast?” because it lacked the texture you’d expect from real chicken.

So, when I decided to make my own Popcorn Chicken, I went with the real deal: unprocessed chicken thigh meat. Not only does it taste better, but the texture is miles ahead of the commercial version. If you really want to up your crunchy game, you could even try using chicken knees – yes, that’s right, chicken knees! Available here in NZ, the cartilage section where the chicken thigh and leg meet are about 20% soft cartilage and 80% chicken muscle meat. It adds a whole new level of texture if you’re a fan of crunch.

Now let’s talk about what sets this version apart: cheese powder. This is the same stuff you use to dust your popcorn or sprinkle on French fries. So, why not use it on Popcorn Chicken? It brings that savory, salty, cheesy flavour that takes an already delicious snack to the next level. Every bite is a burst of cheesy, crispy goodness.

The key to making the perfect Cheesy Popcorn Chicken lies in a few essential factors: using real chicken thighs for that tender, juicy texture and coating them with a crunchy, golden breading. Once they’re fried to perfection, you dust them with that cheesy powder, and voilà – you’ve just turned a simple snack into a cheesy masterpiece.

Cheesy Popcorn Chicken

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• Author: Raymund
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Yield: 6 1x
• Category: Snack
• Cuisine: Freestyle

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Description

Crunchy, cheesy, and oh-so-irresistible! This Cheesy Popcorn Chicken recipe brings a savory twist to your snack game with real chicken thighs and cheese powder.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 700 g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• freshly ground black pepper
• salt
• oil for deep frying
• 1/2 cup cheese powder (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place them in a non-reactive bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Mix well and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
2. In a large container with a lid, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well.
3. Take the marinated chicken out of the buttermilk. One by one, add the chicken pieces into the flour mixture, close the container, and shake it until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside the coated chicken pieces on a plate.
4. Heat enough oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan. Once the oil reaches 180°C, carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
6. Transfer the cooked chicken popcorn to a container with a lid. Add cheese powder to your preference, close the container, and shake well to evenly coat the chicken with the cheese powder.
7. Serve.

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If you’re a fan of snacking, then Cheesy Popcorn Chicken is going to be your new best friend. It’s the perfect balance of crispy, juicy chicken and that irresistible cheesy flavour. Whether you’re serving it up for a party or just treating yourself to a homemade snack, this dish is bound to be a hit.

And don’t just take my word for it – give it a try and see for yourself. With real chicken, a crunchy coating, and that magical cheesy dust, this version of Popcorn Chicken is guaranteed to outshine any store-bought or fast-food version. Snack time just got a whole lot cheesier!