Healthy KFC Popcorn Chicken Recipe
This Healthy KFC Popcorn Chicken recipe offers a lighter take on the classic favorite, using boneless skinless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful blend of spices and baked for a crispy, guilt-free treat. Perfect as a snack or an appetizer, the chicken bites are paired with a simple spicy ketchup dip for an added kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1.7 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1½ tsp Italian herb seasoning
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp celery salt
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Dip
- Ketchup
- Sriracha
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces suitable for popcorn chicken. Set aside.
- Make the Coating Mix: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, Italian herb seasoning, mustard powder, celery salt, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Dip Chicken in Egg Whites: Lightly beat the egg whites in a separate bowl. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg whites, coating thoroughly before transferring to the flour and spice mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the egg-coated chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful dry mix.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack for even crisping.
- Bake Until Crispy: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to promote even browning and crispiness. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Dip: Mix ketchup and sriracha together in a small bowl to create a spicy, tangy dipping sauce. Adjust the sriracha quantity to taste.
- Serve: Remove the baked popcorn chicken from the oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm with the prepared dip.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For an extra crispy texture, use a wire rack when baking to allow air circulation.
- Adjust chili powder and sriracha amounts to control spiciness.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Keywords: healthy popcorn chicken, baked popcorn chicken, KFC style chicken, low fat chicken recipes, healthy chicken snacks
Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/healthy-kfc-popcorn-chicken-recipe/