Why Make This Recipe
Sweet and Spicy Popcorn Chicken is a delicious dish that gives you the perfect balance of flavors. The crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy sauce are perfect for a snack or a meal. This recipe is easy to follow, and the ingredients are straightforward, making it great for both beginners and experienced cooks. You can enjoy it at parties, family gatherings, or even as a solo treat during movie nights!
How to Make Sweet And Spicy Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients:
- 300 g chicken breast
- 1 egg white
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochugaru or chili powder
- 1/2 tbsp vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
Directions:
- Place chicken cubes in a mixing bowl and add the remaining ingredients (except garlic and onion). Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce by combining all the ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Deep-fry the chicken until golden, then transfer it to a plate. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Deep-fry the chicken one more time for extra crispiness. Transfer to a plate again.
- Heat a pan over medium heat, add 1 1/2 tbsp oil with garlic and onion. Stir for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and caramelized.
- Pour in the sauce. Bring it to a simmer, then lower the heat and add the fried chicken. Toss well and remove from heat.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top and enjoy!
How to Serve Sweet And Spicy Popcorn Chicken
Serve the Sweet and Spicy Popcorn Chicken hot, straight from the pan. You can pair it with a side of rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. For an extra touch, serve it with a dipping sauce like ranch or extra soy sauce. This dish is perfect for sharing, so place it on a large plate and let everyone dig in!
How to Store Sweet And Spicy Popcorn Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely and store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Just make sure to put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply bake or fry the chicken until hot.
Tips to Make Sweet And Spicy Popcorn Chicken
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken for the best crispiness.
- Don’t skip the second frying; it makes the chicken so much crispier!
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder based on your spice preference.
Variation
You can add some vegetables, like bell peppers or broccoli, to the sauce for an extra flavor and color. If you want a healthier version, try baking the chicken instead of frying it!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
2. What can I substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
3. How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce or skip the cayenne pepper and gochugaru. You can also balance the heat with more honey for sweetness.
Sweet and Spicy Popcorn Chicken
A delicious dish featuring crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, perfect for snacks or meals.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 300 g chicken breast
- 1 egg white
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochugaru or chili powder
- 1/2 tbsp vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Place chicken cubes in a mixing bowl and add the remaining ingredients (except garlic and onion). Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce by combining all the ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Deep-fry the chicken until golden, then transfer it to a plate. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Deep-fry the chicken one more time for extra crispiness. Transfer to a plate again.
- Heat a pan over medium heat, add 1 1/2 tbsp oil with garlic and onion. Stir for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and caramelized.
- Pour in the sauce. Bring it to a simmer, then lower the heat and add the fried chicken. Toss well and remove from heat.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top and enjoy!
Notes
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken for best crispiness. Adjust spice levels to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: popcorn chicken, sweet and spicy, easy chicken recipe, appetizer, party food