KFC Style Popcorn Chicken with Gravy

With insanely crispy skin that gives way to meat tender like no other, rarely can anyone resist the charms of fried chicken. The only thing that could possibly make fried chicken better is making it so compact you could easily pop one in your mouth. Such is the case in the recipe we have for you today: popcorn chicken! Crunchy, crispy, and invitingly golden, popcorn chicken gives you everything you love in the classic dish and more. And if you enjoy the popular fast food chain KFC? Even better! The medley of spices that fill your favorite chicken’s marinade will make each bite burst with the flavors you love.

Today’s recipe is Popcorn Chicken, KFC Style, paired with a scrumptious gravy to boot. This is quite similar to the restaurant’s classic option and affordable favorite, Fun Shots! Tiny, compact pieces you can easily pop in your mouth make eating this delightful dish all the more fun. In fact, another popular twist on the classic popcorn chicken is Hot Shots, which are basically your fried chicken bites with a sudden, spicy kick! Spicy fried chicken is deliciously flaming, and each bite will make your mouth water for more reasons than one.

What are the spices that will go into my popcorn chicken?

Like we mentioned earlier, the marriage of spices is what gives KFC its unique and undeniably delicious flavor. It’s a mix that’s unlike no other; KFC’s secret recipe is one that many have tried to covet for years, to no success. But trust us when we say that one bite into this golden brown treat will have you convinced that you’ve just bitten into your everyday takeout! Skip the long lines at the cashier and instead enjoy popcorn chicken from the comfort of your own home.

What is it in KFC’s chicken that makes it so finger lickin’ good? It is a combination of spices that ranges from your basics — salt and pepper and ginger — to some other pantry favorites. These include basil, thyme, oregano, and paprika. Some parts spicy, others savory and sweet, putting them all together is a surefire treat for your taste buds. Rarely is fried chicken so rich and abundant in different flavors, but this popcorn chicken is one you and your loved ones will fall in love with! Really, this assortment of spices is what drives the deliciousness of your dish home.

But you can’t forget about the buttermilk, either!

Like any other meat, cooking popcorn chicken requires not only a flavorful and crispy outside but a tender, juicy inside. Buttermilk does the job of helping your chicken breasts grow far more tender and easier to enjoy. Mix it with a tablespoon of Knorr Liquid Seasoning, and you have meat that is as succulent as it is mouthwatering. 

For this dish, I try to marinate my chicken for at least 1 hour. This allows the taste of the marinade to fully sink in, while also ensuring that you’re getting your desired texture for your popcorn chicken.

While waiting for your chicken to marinate, why not start on your gravy?

Would your popcorn chicken — or any chicken, for that matter — be complete without gravy? The creamy, savory sauce bodes well with your crunchy protein, or even across a warm bed of rice! Making gravy, KFC style, is a lot easier than it may seem — just follow this recipe! Your popcorn chicken will have its perfect partner to dunk each savory bite in.

Melt a quarter cup of butter in a saucepan, and wait for it to bubble. Once it does, add in your flour gradually; you’ll need about the same amount. Stir your butter-flour mixture once the bubbles subside, then keep stirring until you find a mixture brown in color. Add water just as gradually, and stir, smoothening the mixture away from any clumps. Knorr Chicken Cube, garlic and onion powder, salt, and pepper go in next. Stir your ingredients together, incorporating each component well. Happy? Now you can set it aside, but keep your cover on to keep your gravy warm.

When your marinating and gravy are done, you can go ahead and start making your popcorn chicken! Follow these quick and easy steps, and your fast food favorite will be ready in no time.

Now let’s work on those breading ingredients. These are where all the spices of your popcorn chicken come in! Flour, salt, thyme, basil, and oregano are just some of the ingredients you have to add into a bowl. Don’t forget your celery salt, ground black pepper, dried mustard, and paprika. Lastly, sprinkle in your garlic salt, ginger, and white pepper — and there you have it! The spices behind your scrumptious meal are all there. Mix your ingredients well altogether, while heating a cup of cooking oil up in a small pot. 

Take your marinated chicken pieces and dredge them in the breading mixture. Coat them completely, but shake off excess breading to ensure that you’re not biting into mostly flour later. In that same small pot, deep fry your popcorn chicken pieces for about 3 to 4 minutes. Wait until you get that absolutely beautiful golden brown, then let it cool off on a wire rack lined with paper towels. Let the towels soak up all the excess oil, then place them in a serving bowl.

With your favorite side dish (macaroni salad, perhaps?) and gravy, your dish is ready! Share and enjoy this crunchy popcorn chicken goodness with your loved ones today. Let us know what you think!