Description
This Sweet and Spicy Baked Popcorn Chicken is crispy, flavorful, and perfectly coated in a zesty orange glaze. The combination of sweetness and spice makes it an irresistible appetizer or main dish. #PopcornChicken #BakedChicken #SweetAndSpicy #CrispyChicken #ChickenRecipe
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko
- ¼ cup unbleached, all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅔ cup soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- ¼ cup orange zest (about 2 medium oranges)
- ¼ cup sesame oil
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ⅔ cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste or ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, sliced chives, sliced green onion
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a bowl, mix the chicken cubes with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine panko, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the panko mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Arrange the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- While the chicken bakes, make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, orange zest, sesame oil, orange juice, dark brown sugar, ginger, balsamic vinegar, and water.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, then stir into the sauce to thicken further.
- Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the sweet and spicy orange glaze until fully coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, chives, and sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy your sweet and spicy baked popcorn chicken!
Notes
- For extra heat, add more chili garlic sauce to the glaze.
- Ensure the chicken is fully coated with the glaze for the best flavor.
- For extra crunch, bake the chicken for a few more minutes.
- Optional garnishes like sesame seeds, chives, and green onions add a fresh and flavorful touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about ¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg