FUN ESSENTIALS: CAJUN SPICY POPCORN CHICKEN

Fun Essentials: Cajun Spicy Popcorn Chicken image

Provided by Andy Anderson !

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 11

PLAN/PURCHASE
2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch cubes
1 c fresh buttermilk
1 large dried ancho chili
3/4 c flour, all-purpose variety
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp cajun spice, i prefer tony chachere's creole seasoning
1 tsp salt, kosher variety, or to taste
1/2 tsp white pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder
grapeseed oil, or other neutral cooking oil

Steps:

1. PREP/PREPARE
2. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
3. Combine the chicken with the fresh buttermilk, in a non-reactive bowl.
4. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
5. Remove the stem and seeds from the dried ancho chili.
6. Use a spice grinder, or blender to grind into a powder.
7. Add the flour, baking powder, Cajun spice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ground ancho chili, to a large bowl, and combine.
8. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and shake off any excess liquid.
9. Work in batches and add the chicken bites to the flour/spice mixture.
10. Place the chicken on a piece of parchment paper.
11. Chef's Note: Add the oil to a pot, and heat up to 350f (175c).
12. Fry the chicken in batches (don't crowd the pot), until it's nice and golden brown, about 4 - 6 minutes, per batch.
13. Drain on paper towels.
14. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy.
15. DIPPING SAUCE IDEAS
16. Sauce #1: Honey Mustard (mild) 1/2 cup mayo, plain variety 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, I prefer Grey Poupon 2 tablespoons fresh clover honey 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder salt, kosher variety, to taste black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
17. Chili Sauce (spicy) 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce 1/4 cup ketchup 1 tablespoon Sriracha 1 tablespoon soy sauce 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
18. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.