POPCORN CHICKEN TWO WAYS: SOUTHERN STYLE AND ITALIAN STYLE

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Popcorn Chicken Two Ways: Southern Style and Italian Style image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 27

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Canola or vegetable oil, for deep-frying (about 6 to 8 cups)
6 store-bought or homemade buttermilk waffles, for serving
Maple syrup, for serving
3 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon brown sugar
Big pinch sea salt
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
6 to 8 leaves fresh basil, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced, plus 1 clove smashed
1 sprig fresh oregano, leaves only, finely chopped
1/2 red Thai chile pepper, finely minced (very hot, if sensitive use jalapeno or omit)
1 fresh baguette, for serving
Parmesan, shaved, for serving

Steps:

  • For the popcorn chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into equal bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl, sprinkling with 1 teaspoon of the sea salt. Completely submerge the chicken in the buttermilk, and then cover and chill at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours.
  • Combine the flour, remaining sea salt, cayenne, baking powder, onion powder, oregano, turmeric and lots of black pepper in a large resealable plastic bag and shake well.
  • Heat oil in a large pot to 350 degrees F over medium heat. Transfer one-third of the chicken pieces from the marinade to the plastic bag with the flour using a slotted spoon and shaking off any excess liquid. Seal the bag and shake to coat well. Shake off any excess flour from the chicken and then carefully transfer to the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes, and then drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
  • For southern style: Serve the chicken over the waffles and smother in maple syrup.
  • For italian style: Combine the tomatoes, olives, parsley, oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, basil, minced garlic, oregano and chile in a bowl and mix well. Let sit to allow the flavors to come together 30 minutes before serving.
  • Cut the baguette into 6 equal pieces, and then halve each piece horizontally (as if making a sandwich). Hollow out the center of each piece with your hands and rub the surface of the bread with the smashed garlic and brush with olive oil. Grill or toast the bread until golden.
  • Spoon some of the bruschetta mixture into the hollowed out grilled baguettes and top with popcorn chicken and large shavings of Parmesan.

Amna lateef Amna lateef
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I've made this recipe several times now and it's always a hit! The chicken is always crispy and juicy, and the sauces are amazing. I especially love the Italian-style sauce. It's so rich and flavorful. I highly recommend this recipe.


josphat ongolah
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This is the best popcorn chicken recipe I've ever had! The chicken is crispy and flavorful, and the sauces are amazing. I especially love the Southern-style sauce. It's tangy and sweet, with a little bit of heat. I will definitely be making this reci


Khadija Naeem
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I'm so glad I found this recipe! The chicken is crispy and juicy, and the sauces are delicious. I especially love the Italian-style sauce. It's so rich and flavorful. I will definitely be making this recipe again and again.


Bilal Khan Vlogs
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This recipe is really easy to follow and the results are amazing! The chicken is crispy and flavorful, and the sauces are delicious. I especially love the Southern-style sauce. It's tangy and sweet, with a little bit of heat. I will definitely be mak


Shreeya Khadka
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I've made this recipe several times now and it's always a hit! The chicken is always crispy and juicy, and the sauces are amazing. I especially love the Italian-style sauce. It's so rich and flavorful. I highly recommend this recipe.


Writers Edition
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This is the best popcorn chicken recipe I've ever had! The chicken is crispy and flavorful, and the sauces are amazing. I especially love the Southern-style sauce. It's tangy and sweet, with a little bit of heat. I will definitely be making this reci


Marvin Logan
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I'm so glad I found this recipe! The chicken is crispy and juicy, and the sauces are delicious. I especially love the Italian-style sauce. It's so rich and flavorful. I will definitely be making this recipe again and again.


roni khan
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This recipe is really easy to follow and the results are amazing! The chicken is crispy and flavorful, and the sauces are delicious. I especially love the Southern-style sauce. It's tangy and sweet, with a little bit of heat. I will definitely be mak


Gm Shohan
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I've made this recipe several times now and it's always a hit! The chicken is always crispy and juicy, and the sauces are amazing. I especially love the Italian-style sauce. It's so rich and flavorful. I highly recommend this recipe.


Mason Abner
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This recipe is a keeper! The chicken is crispy and juicy, and the sauces are delicious. I especially love the Southern-style sauce. It's tangy and sweet, with a little bit of heat. I will definitely be making this recipe again.


James Dotterweich
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This is the best popcorn chicken recipe I've ever tried! The chicken is so crispy and flavorful, and the sauces are amazing. I especially love the Italian-style sauce. It's so rich and flavorful. I will definitely be making this recipe again and agai


Ali Hyder Chandio
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I made this recipe last night and it was a huge success! My family loved it. The chicken was crispy and juicy, and the sauces were perfect. I will definitely be making this recipe again.


Agnes Goldz
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This popcorn chicken recipe is a hit! The chicken is crispy and flavorful, and the two sauces are delicious. I especially love the Southern-style sauce. It's tangy and sweet, with a little bit of heat. The Italian-style sauce is also very good, with