Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with the most addictive popcorn chicken you've ever tasted! Imagine golden, crispy bite-sized chicken pieces that are perfectly seasoned and cooked to crunchy perfection in just minutes, paired with a zesty jalapeno ranch that'll make your mouth water. This isn't just another chicken recipe – it's a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary weeknight meals into a gourmet experience that'll have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring each piece is approximately 1-inch in size for even cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, pour buttermilk and season with salt and pepper. Add chicken pieces and marinate for 15 minutes, allowing the buttermilk to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor.
- In a separate shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Remove chicken pieces from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Coat each piece completely in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper air circulation.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While chicken cooks, prepare jalapeno ranch by finely chopping fresh jalapeno and mixing into ranch dressing. Adjust spice level by removing or including jalapeno seeds.
- Once chicken is golden brown and crispy, remove from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow coating to set.
- Serve hot popcorn chicken immediately with jalapeno ranch dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with additional chopped jalapenos or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the buttermilk marinade – those 15 minutes are crucial for tenderizing the chicken and adding depth of flavor.
- Breadcrumb Coating Secrets: Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken to create a crispy, even coating that'll give you that perfect crunch.
- Air Fryer Wisdom: Don't overcrowd the basket! Cooking in batches ensures each piece gets crispy and cooks evenly.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Spice Customization: Control the heat of your jalapeno ranch by adding or removing jalapeno seeds based on your spice preference.
- Serving Tip: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help the coating set and maintain its crispy texture.
- Make-Ahead Hack: You can prepare the chicken pieces and breadcrumb coating in advance for quick cooking later.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
