Ever tried combining the amazing flavors of Indian spices with the yummy crispiness of popcorn chicken? This Indian-style popcorn fried chicken fusion recipe will definitely take your taste buds on a flavorful adventure! Ready for a total game-changer? Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
What You Need (Ingredients):
Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s gather up all the essentials:
- 4 chicken breasts, cubed into small pieces (about 2 lbs)
- 2 cups buttermilk (or add 2 tbsp of vinegar to 2 cups of milk, let it sit for a few minutes)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- ½ cup of cornstarch (for crispy coating)
- Water (for consistency in the batter)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Indian Spices and Marinade:
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp turmeric powder
- 1 cup yogurt
- Salt as per taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
How to Make Indian-Style Popcorn Fried Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
We’re starting off our taste journey by marinating our chicken. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk with the chopped chicken breasts. Cover, and let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial to meld the flavors throughout the juicy chicken pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Spices and Flour Coating
While our chicken is marinating, we’ll be getting our coating all fired up! In a separate container, whisk your all-purpose flour, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red chili powder. When it comes to frying, cornstarch is our secret weapon for crispiness – so be sure to have that hoiked out and ready.
Step 3: Mix the Indian Spices
In yet another bowl, let’s work on our aromatic Indian flavors. Whisk together the ginger paste, garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, and yogurt. This marinade is going to add that Indian essence you’re looking for.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Before we pop the chicken in our spicy bath, let’s coat that lovely chicken in our flour mixture. Shake off any excess and let’s drench them in our Indian yogurt marinade. Once again, let the chicken sit for another hour to absorb these fabulous flavors!
Step 5: Time to Fry
Ready for the best part? Heat up your vegetable oil to about 375°F (190°C) in a pot or a deep fryer. Gently lower the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil, and cook them in batches to ensure frying heaven. Fry each piece until golden brown – this usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
Step 6: Popcorn It Up
Now, the magic happens! As soon as the chicken pieces are cooked, let’s pop them open and fluff them up. You can use a wooden spoon to gently crack each piece, making room for that crisp, delectable popcorn chicken!
Step 7: Season and Serve
Time to taste that fusion magic! Season our popcorn fried chicken with additional salt if needed. No festival or party is complete without some chutney and sauce. Drizzle your favorite chutney or dips, garnish it with some fresh coriander, and enjoy your burst of flavors!
FAQs:
What’s the secret to extra crispy popcorn chicken? The secret lies in the perfect balance of the flour, cornstarch, and your choice of spices. Don’t overcrowd the frying pan, as this can lead to lesser crispiness. And, remember to drain the excess oil on paper towels post-frying.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? We definitely recommend going for fresh chicken for this dish to guarantee the best taste and texture. However, if you’re in a pinch for time, make sure to thaw your chicken in the fridge before marinating it.
Do I have to use buttermilk? Buttermilk adds a tangy, extra-moist dimension to your chicken that complements the other flavors beautifully. For a substitution, just mix 2 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice to grace your 2 cups of milk and let it curdle for a couple of minutes.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying? Absolutely! If you’re into air-frying or oven baking, you can achieve a healthier version of your popcorn chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring that you flip the chicken pieces halfway through the baking time.
How can I store leftovers? To preserve your popcorn fried chicken’s delightful texture, it’s best to store it in an airtight container. Enjoy it fresh for the next 3 days in the fridge. To re-crisp, a quick warm-up in the oven or air fryer is recommended.
And there you have it! Prepare for an unforgettable appetizer as you dive into this Indian-Style Popcorn Fried Chicken recipe. Serve with your favorite sides, enjoy, and savour the flavors of this delightful fusion.
