Uncover the Secret: Authentic KFC-Style Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Introducing the much-loved, bite-sized wonder that has taken the world by storm - KFC Popcorn Chicken.

Now, what if we told you that you could recreate this crispy delight in your own kitchen?

Today, on Free to Cook, we're unlocking the secret behind KFC's iconic 11 herbs and spices breading mix and bringing you a step closer to enjoying homemade Popcorn Chicken anytime you like!

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast

• 2 cups Plain Flour

• 1/2 teaspoon Thyme

• 1/3 teaspoon Oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon Basil

• 1 teaspoon Celery Salt (plus an extra ½ teaspoon for the buttermilk marinade)

• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper

• 1 teaspoon Dried Mustard

• 4 teaspoons Paprika (plus an extra ½ teaspoon of sweet paprika for the buttermilk marinade)

• 2 teaspoons Garlic Salt

• 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger

• 3 teaspoons White Pepper

• 2/3 teaspoon Salt

• 2/3 teaspoon MSG (plus an extra ½ teaspoon for the buttermilk marinade)

• 500 ml Buttermilk

• Oil for frying

• Sweet Chili Sauce for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Breading Mix:

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of plain flour with the 11 herbs and spices including the secret 12th spice MSG.

• Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly to create the iconic KFC breading mix. Set aside.

Prepare the Chicken:

• Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise.

• Now, find the direction of the grain of the breast and slice it into strips at an angle.

• Cut the strips further into bite-sized pieces.

Marinate the Chicken:

• In a separate bowl, pour 500ml of buttermilk.

• Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk, followed by an additional ½ teaspoon of celery salt, ½ teaspoon of MSG, and ½ teaspoon of sweet paprika.

• Mix it all together and let it sit in the refrigerator for an hour to 4 hours to marinate.

Bread the Chicken:

• Take a small amount of the buttermilk from the marinated chicken and stir it into the breading mix. This will create little lumps in the breading mix which will give your chicken that extra crunch.

• Now, take the chicken pieces from the buttermilk and coat them well with the breading mix. Ensure each piece is fully coated. Tip: Use one hand for wet ingredients and the other for dry ingredients to keep things tidy.

Fry the Chicken:

• Heat a deep fryer or a pot of oil to 190°C or 374°F.

• Once the oil is up to temperature, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.

• Stir the chicken pieces occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.

• After about 4 to 5 minutes, or once golden brown, remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on a wire rack.

• Repeat the process for the remaining chicken pieces.

Serve:

• Serve your homemade KFC Popcorn Chicken hot, with a side of sweet chilli sauce.

There you have it! A simple and straightforward way to recreate the classic KFC Popcorn Chicken in the comfort of your home. The blend of spices enveloped in a crunchy breading makes this dish a timeless favourite. Don't forget to share your Popcorn Chicken adventures in the comments below, and stay tuned to Free to Cook for more scrumptious recipes!

There you have it! A simple and straightforward way to recreate the classic KFC Popcorn Chicken in the comfort of your home. The blend of spices enveloped in a crunchy breading makes this dish a timeless favourite. Don't forget to share your Popcorn Chicken adventures in the comments below, and stay tuned to Free to Cook for more scrumptious recipes!