My Special Gluten-Free Popcorn Chicken Recipe
Hi! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that I’ve been making for a while, and it’s very popular in my house: Gluten-Free Popcorn Chicken. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves crunchy, bite-sized chicken but wants to avoid gluten. Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet due to a sensitivity or celiac disease, or you just want a healthier option instead of regular fried chicken, this recipe will satisfy your craving.
What is a gluten-free popcorn chicken recipe?
The gluten-free popcorn chicken recipe is just like your favorite popcorn chicken but with no ingredients containing gluten. Instead of using regular flour, we’ll use gluten-free alternatives that will give you a delicious crispy coating. These little chicken bites are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish. They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of flavor.
Popularity
This recipe is becoming increasingly popular, especially among those who follow a gluten-free diet. It is a favorite in many households because it is not only delicious but also a healthier option than traditional fried chicken. Plus, kids and adults love the fun, bite-size pieces.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this healthier popcorn chicken. First of all, it has an irresistible crunchy texture. We use a blend of spices to ensure that every bite is full of flavor. And the best part is that it’s completely gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for anyone with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. You can enjoy this snack without worrying about gluten.
Why This Recipe For Popcorn Chicken
Making gluten-free popcorn chicken at home is a great choice for a few reasons. First, you have complete control over the ingredients, so you know exactly what’s going into your meal. No hidden gluten, no unnecessary additives – just fresh, simple ingredients. Plus, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of making a delicious snack from scratch. It’s fresher, healthier, and just as delicious as something you’d buy at a restaurant.
Ingredients for Gluten-Free Popcorn Chicken Recipe
Here is a simple list of everything you need to make this recipe. I made sure to include gluten-free options to keep the recipe safe for anyone avoiding gluten.
Chicken breast: 2 large pieces cut them into small pieces. You can also use chicken tenders or thighs if you want.
Gluten-free flour: 1 cup, this will help the coating stick to the chicken. Make sure the flour says gluten-free.
Gluten-free breadcrumbs: 1 cup For a crispy coating, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can find these at most grocery stores, or you can make your own by grinding up gluten-free bread.
Eggs: 2 large eggs help the coating stick to the chicken. Beat the eggs thoroughly in a small bowl.
Milk: 1/4 cup (optional) You can mix it with eggs to make a smooth paste. You can use any milk of your choice, even dairy-free milk.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon adds a nice flavor to the coating.
Paprika: 1 teaspoon gives the chicken a little color and slight spice.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to season the chicken and coating.
Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon for a little extra flavor.
Oil: You will need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan for frying. Use a light oil such as vegetable or canola oil.
What are gluten free flour and breadcrumbs made of?
If you’ve ever cooked with regular flour or breadcrumbs, you may notice that gluten-free versions look and feel a little different. Gluten-free flour can be made from rice, almonds or even chickpeas, and gluten-free breadcrumbs can be made from corn or rice. These ingredients don’t contain gluten, a protein found in wheat that can cause problems for some people.
Essential Kitchen Tools:
Deep fryer or large skillet: Used to crisp up the chicken.
Mixing bowl: To combine the coating ingredients and eggs.
Tongs: To safely place the chicken in the hot oil and remove it once it’s cooked.
Paper towel: To remove excess oil from the fried chicken
How to make healthy gluten-free popcorn chicken
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
First, cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-size pieces. Try to keep them all about the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Set up your coating station
Grab three bowls:
Bowl 1: Add the gluten-free flour to this bowl.
Bowl 2: Beat the eggs and add them to this bowl.
Bowl 3: Combine the gluten-free breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in this bowl.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
First coat: Take a piece of chicken and dip it in the flour, making sure it is completely covered.
Egg dip: Next, dip the flour-coated chicken piece in the beaten egg. This makes the breadcrumbs stick better.
Final coat: Finally, roll the chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure it is completely coated and looks nice and crispy.
Step 4: How to fry
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- When the oil is hot, you can test it by dropping a small piece of bread in – if it sizzles, the oil is hot enough Carefully drop the coated chicken pieces into the oil.
- Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- When it’s cooked, remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to drain off any excess oil.
Tips for extra crispy chicken
Double dipping: For an extra crispy texture, you can double dip the chicken. After the first coating, dip it back into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs.
Don’t overcrowd: When frying or air-frying, make sure the pan or basket isn’t too crowded. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay crispy.
Let it rest: After coating the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick better and makes the chicken crispier.
What are the benefits of making this recipe
Diet-friendly: This recipe is perfect for people with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet. By using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, you can enjoy delicious popcorn chicken without worrying about gluten.
Homemade goodness: When you make popcorn chicken at home, you get the chance to use fresh ingredients and avoid any cross-contamination with gluten. Plus, you know exactly what goes into your meal, making it much healthier and safer.
Versatility: The best part about this recipe is that you can easily customize it. Add different spices or seasonings to the dough, like cayenne pepper or Italian herbs for a little spiciness. You can personalize it and make it your own to suit your taste.
FAQs
How long to heat up popcorn chicken in oven?
To reheat popcorn chicken in the oven, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the popcorn chicken for about 10-12 minutes until it’s hot and crispy.
Is KFC popcorn chicken gluten free?
No, KFC Popcorn Chicken is not gluten-free. It is coated in a seasoned flour mixture that contains gluten.
What is gluten free popcorn made of?
Gluten-free popcorn is made from whole corn kernels, which do not naturally contain gluten. This is a safe snack option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just be sure to check for any added flavorings or toppings to make sure they are gluten-free.
