Easy Popcorn Chicken
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TOTAL 1hrs, 6 servings

Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 cups low-fat buttermilk (or substitute  2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1.5 teaspoons fine sea salt, divided
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
- 2 teaspoons onion powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, optional, divided
- 4 cups corn flakes (or substitute 2 cups of crushed potato chips, panko, or homemade breadcrumbs)
- Cooking spray or olive oil


Directions:
1) Make the buttermilk marinade: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
2) Marinate the chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and add them to the marinade, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
3) Prep: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
4) Make the breading: Place the cornflakes (or potato chips) in a large resealable bag and crush them into fine crumbs. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Seal the bag and shake to combine.
5) Bread the chicken: Working in batches, lift the chicken pieces from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Add the chicken to the seasoned crumbs and press to coat well. Place the breaded pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with a bit of olive oil.
6) Preheat the oven to 400F. Bake for about 20 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through, until crispy, golden, and cooked through (165F in the center).
7) To air fry: Place the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Air fry at 390F for 4 minutes. Shake the basket, spray again if needed, then air fry for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until crisp and golden and cooked through (165F in the center).

Dipping Sauces:
- BBQ sauce
- Mustard
- Teriyaki
- Look up many options



Tip:
- For extra-crispy chicken, place an oven-safe cooling rack on the baking sheet and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

Source: https://www.inspiredtaste.net/45877/baked-popcorn-chicken/itr_print/