Love the crispy crunch of KFC popcorn chicken but want to make it at home with Indian spices? You’re in for a treat! This Indian-style popcorn chicken recipe brings you all the crispiness and flavor with a homemade twist.
Whether you’re serving it as a party snack, evening tea-time treat, or a kids’ favorite lunchbox item, this crispy Indian-style popcorn chicken will not disappoint. Packed with flavors and coated in a spiced batter, it’s a crowd-pleaser for every occasion.
Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken (preferably thigh or breast), cut into small cubes
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp corn flour
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida)
- Breadcrumbs for coating
- Oil for deep frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces. Cut into small, bite-sized cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, black pepper, garam masala, lemon juice, salt, and egg. Mix well.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For better flavor, marinate for 2 hours in the fridge.
- Add corn flour and maida to the marinated chicken and mix until every piece is coated evenly.
- Roll each chicken piece in breadcrumbs and press gently so the crumbs stick firmly.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with ketchup, mayo, or mint chutney.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Popcorn Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results, but breasts work if you prefer lean meat.
- For extra crunch, double coat with breadcrumbs after the first coating.
- Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender inside.
- You can air-fry or bake the chicken for a healthier version.
- Add a pinch of chat masala on top after frying for an Indian street-food touch.
Nutritional Benefits of Popcorn Chicken
- High in protein, making it a great snack for muscle-building and satiety.
- Using lean chicken cuts helps reduce overall fat intake.
- Homemade versions are healthier than fast food and have no preservatives.
- You can customize the spice level and ingredients to suit dietary needs.
- When air-fried or baked, it’s a great low-oil alternative to fried snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh?
A: Yes, chicken breast is lean and works well, though thigh is juicier.
- Q: Can I bake or air-fry this popcorn chicken?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 200°C for 25 minutes or air-fry at 180°C for 15–18 minutes.
- Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Q: What dips go well with popcorn chicken?
A: Mint chutney, garlic mayo, ketchup, or sweet chili sauce are all great options.
- Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes, replace all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour and crushed cornflakes.
Conclusion
This Indian-style popcorn chicken recipe is not just easy and quick but also loaded with flavors that will remind you of your favorite KFC bites. With a crispy coating and juicy center, it’s the ultimate snack for every age group.
Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry it, this dish brings fun and flavor to your table. Give it a try today and enjoy restaurant-style popcorn chicken in the comfort of your home!
Read Also – Spicy Masala Chicken Recipe: Flavor-Packed Indian Dinner