Sweet Tea Popcorn Chicken
Craving a unique twist on classic popcorn chicken? This Sweet Tea Popcorn Chicken recipe, featuring a sweet tea brine and Hiland Dairy Buttermilk, is a flavorful and crispy treat that’s sure to impress.
Recipe and image compliments of Brit from Whisked Away Kitchen
Sweet Tea Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients
Sweet Tea Brine
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups Red Diamond Sweet Tea
- 1.5 tablespoons kosher salt
Coating
- 1 cup Hiland Dairy Buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1.5 tablespoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
For Frying
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a large bowl. Mix with the salt. Pour the sweet tea over the top so that the chicken is fully covered. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 2-8 hours. Drain and pat the chicken dry.
- Pour the buttermilk into a small bowl. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder and cayenne.
- Place the chicken in the buttermilk. Remove, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture. Toss until evenly coated, pressing the mixture into the chicken with your hands. Shake off any excess flour and transfer to a baking sheet.
- Heat approximately ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F. Working in batches, transfer the chicken to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. The chicken is ready when it is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Sweet Tea Popcorn Chicken is a flavorful and crispy treat that’s sure to impress.
Craving a unique twist on classic popcorn chicken? Try this recipe, featuring a sweet tea brine and Hiland Dairy Buttermilk.
Ingredients
Sweet Tea Brine
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups Red Diamond Sweet Tea
- 1.5 tablespoons kosher salt
Coating
- 1 cup Hiland Dairy Buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1.5 tablespoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
For Frying
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Brine
Place the chicken in a large bowl and mix with salt. Pour sweet tea over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully covered. Cover and refrigerate for 2-8 hours. Drain and pat dry.
2. Coat the Chicken
Pour buttermilk into a small bowl. In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Dip chicken in buttermilk, let excess drip off, then dredge in flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken and shake off excess flour.
3. Fry the Chicken
Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Tips for Perfect Popcorn Chicken
- Marinating Time: Marinate the chicken in sweet tea brine for at least 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- Temperature Control: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for even cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or as a topping for salads.
Using Hiland Dairy Buttermilk ensures the chicken is tender and flavorful.
This Sweet Tea Popcorn Chicken offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors with a perfectly crispy coating.
For more delicious recipes, visit Hiland Dairy’s recipe page. Enjoy crafting and savoring this Southern-inspired dish!
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