Chipotle Popcorn Chicken

Get ready to spice up snack time with this irresistible Chipotle Popcorn Chicken! Tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken are marinated in a flavorful buttermilk blend infused with smoky chipotle chili powder, garlic, and paprika, then coated in a crispy, golden crust made from a perfect mix of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Deep-fried to perfection, these crunchy, spicy morsels are easy to make and pack a punch of bold flavor in every bite. Perfect as an appetizer or a crowd-pleasing party snack, this quick recipe comes together in just 45 minutes and pairs beautifully with dipping sauces like creamy ranch, zesty chipotle mayo, or sweet honey mustard. Bring homemade comfort food to the next level with this delectable chipotle popcorn chicken recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 2 tsp Chipotle chili powder
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup Cornstarch
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 4 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.

Step 2

In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 3

Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to marinate (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 4

In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

Step 5

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet, frying pan, or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature.

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting excess liquid drip off, then coat each piece well in the flour mixture. Press firmly to ensure the coating adheres.

Step 7

Working in batches, carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally for even frying. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 8

Once fried, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

Step 9

Serve the Chipotle Popcorn Chicken immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, chipotle mayo, or honey mustard.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1819.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9617.0

Total Fat 972.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 144.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 412.4mg	0%
Sodium 3687.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 144.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.1g	0%
Total Sugars 13.4g
Protein 163.0g	0%

Vitamin D 185.8IU	0%
Calcium 380.9mg	0%
Iron 11.8mg	0%
Potassium 1826.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 87.7%

Protein: 6.5%

Carbs: 5.8%