Pops (Popcorn chicken) Baked in the Oven

Crunchy oven baked pops (popcorn chicken)

We have been pretty lucky (knock on wood) that my son is not a picky eater and I usually serve him whatever we are eating. For this reason, I don't make "kid" type foods too often. This weekend my nephew gave me the idea of making pops so I gave it a try. This recipe is not meant to taste like any particular fast food chain - it is simply a yummy home baked popcorn chicken.

I tried an oven baked version since it's slightly healthier. Also I like the idea of it all being cooked in one batch and not having to stand at the stove deep frying. I used Italian seasoned Panko breadcrumbs. The Italian seasoning already has some of the spices like garlic and the panko gives it that extra crunchy finish.

I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs since we find it to be juicier and more flavorful than the chicken breast but either cut can be used. Trim of any fat, cut into tiny bite size pieces and place into a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste keeping in mind that the Italian Style Panko breadcrumbs already has some salt.

If you have ever crumbed or breaded anything before you probably guessed this will require a crumbing/breading assembly line. Take 3 shallow bowls and place them next to each other. Place flour in one bowl, whisked egg in another and breadcrumbs in the third. Line a baking sheet with foil and grease lightly with some oil.

Mini assembly line with flour, whisked egg and Italian Style Panko breadcrumbs

Now I don't mind getting my hands a little messy but I hate breadcrumb fingers that are inevitable when using hands. Instead I used separate forks in each bowl and a spoon for the chicken bowl. I did about 4 pieces at a times - since they are so small they could take forever. Carefully spoon about 4 chicken pieces into the flour bowl, use the flour fork to cover the chicken with some flour then lift out the chicken piece dropping off excess flour and drop each piece into the bowl with egg (not letting the flour fork touch the egg). In the a similar way using the egg fork move the egg dipped chicken pieces to the breadcrumb bowl not letting the egg fork touch the bread crumbs and not letting any egg touch the breadcrumb fork. Use the breadcrumb fork to cover the pieces in breadcrumbs or press the pieces into the breadcrumbs if necessary, then move the pieces to the greased and lined baking sheet. This sounds complicated to describe but once you are doing it you will get the hang of what I mean. If you do not mind thick coated breadcrumb fingers then go ahead and use clean hands instead. Another preference of mine is to start with a lower estimate of breadcrumbs in the bowl and add more if necessary at the end - this helps reduce waste. The measurements below worked out perfectly for me for 2 chicken thighs.

Cover the pieces with breadcrumbs or press them in

To get a nice brown and crunchy pop, I used oil in a spray bottle to coat the tops of the uncooked pops before placing in the oven. Cook times will vary based on the size you cut them so definitely check the chicken is cooked through before removing from the oven. Serve with ketchup, mayonnaise, sriracha or my favorite sriracha mayo. I definitely got the thumbs on this one from my son.

Pops (Popcorn Chicken) Baked in the Oven Recipe

Prep Time ~ 20 - 25 min

Cook Time ~ 20 min

Yield ~ 2-3 kid servings

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs (use breast if referred)

• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste keeping in mind the breadcrumbs contains salt)

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 cup flour

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup Italian Style Panko breadcrumbs (have a little extra on hand if you need a little more)

• Oil to grease and coat

Method

1. Preheat oven at 400 deg F

2. Cut chicken into tiny bite size pieces and place into a bowl.

3. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix.

4. Form an assembly line with 3 shallow bowls. Place flour in one bowl, whisk an egg in the second bowl and breadcrumbs in the third. Place a baking sheet lined with foil and lightly greased with oil at the end.

5. Dip chicken pieces lightly coating with flour, then egg followed by breadcrumbs and place on greased and lined baking sheet.

6. Lightly coat the tops of the chicken pieces with oil. (I use a spray bottle with oil and spray the tops)

7. Place in the oven and cook for 15 - 20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown. Serve with sauce of choice.

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