Description
Crunchy and flavorful chipotle popcorn chicken coated in a crispy panko crust, perfect for dipping!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 inches cooking oil (for frying)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (pureed)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup flour (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 cups panko (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 lb chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons liquid honey
Instructions
- Attach an oil/candy thermometer to the side of a medium-sized pot. Pour in 2 inches of oil and heat it to 300 degrees Fahrenheit over medium-high heat.
- Once the temperature reaches 300 degrees, turn the element down to medium and continue to heat the oil until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the oil is heating, prep the breading. Set up 3 bowls. In one bowl whisk the eggs, pureed chipotle peppers, soy sauce, and water. Put the flour in the second bowl and the panko in the third.
- Working with 3-4 pieces at a time, dredge the chicken pieces first in flour, second in the egg, and third in panko. Once the chicken pieces are coated, place them on a baking tray.
- Once the oil reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit, carefully drop in 7-8 pieces and let them cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Test the thickest one by cutting it in half for doneness; no pink means it’s cooked through.
- Place cooked chicken bites onto a clean baking sheet lined with paper towels while you cook the rest, ensuring the oil returns to 350 degrees Fahrenheit between batches.
- To make the sauce, mix the mayonnaise and honey in a small bowl.
- To serve, either drizzle a little of the sauce over the top of the chipotle popcorn chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Keep an eye on the oil temperature for best frying results.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through to avoid any health risks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg