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Gluten Free KFC Popcorn Chicken Recipe

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This Gluten Free KFC Popcorn Chicken recipe delivers crispy, bite-sized chicken nuggets with a flavorful and crunchy coating, perfect for a snack or meal. Using gluten free flour and cornstarch ensures it’s safe for those avoiding gluten, while a blend of spices mimics the famous KFC seasoning. The chicken is marinated in a tangy buttermilk mixture before being double coated and fried to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

Dredge Mixture

  • 1 cup gluten free all-purpose flour (King Arthur brand recommended)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Complete Seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Wet Mixture

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 large eggs

Other

  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches in skillet)

Instructions

  1. Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into 1/2 inch thick strips, then cut each strip into 2-3 bite sized pieces to yield approximately 48 nuggets from one pound.
  2. Prepare Dredge Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together gluten free flour, cornstarch, half the salt, sugar, black pepper, white pepper, and complete seasoning until fully combined.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, remaining salt, paprika, Dijon mustard, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
  4. Soak Chicken: Submerge the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture, letting them soak for 5 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
  5. Coat Chicken: Transfer chicken pieces a few at a time into the flour mixture. Toss and press the coating onto the nuggets to ensure a thick, even crust. Shake off any excess flour and place coated nuggets on a baking sheet.
  6. Heat Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat to 350°F (177°C), using a candy or deep-fry thermometer for accuracy.
  7. Prepare Draining Setup: Place a cooling rack over a baking sheet to drain fried nuggets and keep them crispy.
  8. Fry Nuggets: Fry about 10 nuggets at a time in the hot oil for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
  9. Drain and Season: Remove cooked nuggets to the cooling rack and sprinkle with a little salt to taste. Repeat frying with remaining batches until all nuggets are cooked.

Notes

  • Ensure oil temperature stays close to 350°F for best frying results; use a thermometer to monitor.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to keep nuggets crispy and evenly cooked.
  • Complete Seasoning is a blend of spices similar to poultry seasoning; if unavailable, a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs can substitute.
  • Use fresh chicken breasts for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Serve immediately for best crispiness or keep warm in a low oven, but avoid long resting to prevent sogginess.

Keywords: gluten free popcorn chicken, KFC style chicken, crispy chicken nuggets, gluten free fried chicken, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/gluten-free-kfc-popcorn-chicken-recipe/