Culver Crest Popcorn Chicken Recipes

POPCORN-COATED POPCORN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
• In a large releasable plastic bag, combine the chicken, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper. Seal and then shake and massage the bag so all the chicken pieces get coated with the seasoning. Set aside.
• Add the popcorn to a separate large resealable plastic bag. Close the bag and, using a rolling pin, crush the popcorn into small pieces.
• Set up your breading station using 3 pie pans. In the first pan, add the flour. In the second pan, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce and eggs. In the third pan, combine the popcorn, panko and paprika and stir to combine.
• Working in batches, dredge the chicken pieces first in the flour, then in the buttermilk mixture and finally in the popcorn breading mixture, pressing the chicken into the breading mixture to make sure it gets completely coated. Place on the prepared baking sheet in 1 even layer. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
• Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through. Serve immediately.

POPCORN CHICKEN

Steps:

• For the honey sriracha mayo: Stir together the mayo, sriracha and honey to taste. Season with salt. Transfer to a small serving bowl and drizzle with a little extra sriracha. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• For the chicken: Put the paprika, garlic powder, cayenne and 1 teaspoon salt in a large resealable plastic bag and shake to mix. Add the chicken and shake to thoroughly coat.
• Put the flour in a large bowl. Beat the buttermilk and eggs together in another large bowl.
• Bring a large, wide pot with about 1 1/2 inches of oil to 350 degrees F. Line a tray with paper towels.
• Dredge half of the chicken in the flour. Remove from the flour, shake off the excess and dip it in the buttermilk mixture to coat. Let the excess drip off, then return it to the flour. Carefully put the chicken in the oil and fry, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes. Transfer to the paper towels with a slotted spoon and sprinkle lightly with salt. Return the oil to 350 degrees F and repeat with the remaining chicken.
• Top with chives and serve with the honey sriracha mayo.

POPCORN CHICKEN WITH MAPLE-MUSTARD DIP

Steps:

• For the maple-mustard dip: Mix the mustard, mayonnaise, maple syrup, paprika and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
• For the popcorn chicken: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large high-sided skillet or pot until a deep-fry thermometer registers 365 degrees F.
• Add the breadcrumbs to a bowl and set aside. Add the chicken, cornstarch, eggs, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper to a separate bowl and toss to combine and coat the chicken. A couple pieces at a time, toss the coated chicken in the breadcrumbs and coat thoroughly, until all the chicken is coated.
• Fry the chicken in 3 or 4 batches until golden and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Remove and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Serve alongside the maple-mustard dip.