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Popcorn Chicken and Waffle Bits

Popcorn Chicken and Waffle Bits

Since it seems most of this part of the world is in a polar vortex, I thought I’d offer up a consolation prize to being stuck outside: popcorn chicken and waffle bits, from last year’s Brunch Life: Comfort Classics and More for the Best Meal of the Day by Matt Basile and Kyla Zanardi. Because I truly cannot think of a more suitable brunch scenario than a weekend with a high of -30.

This version of chicken and waffles is brilliant—bite-sized fried chicken pieces are far less intimidating to make and cook, and are perfect for nibbling with bites of crisp waffle, all drizzled with a spicy Sriracha maple syrup butter. I love that everything can be eaten with a fork or fingers, and you don’t have to balance your plate on your lap to maneuver a knife. And it’s very conducive to sharing, if you find yourself in the vicinity of other people in their pyjamas.

As far as books go, this one’s a keeper – stunning, filled with recipes I want to make, and a reminder of why brunch will forever be the most favourite meal of the day. (Note: the recipe calls for 2 eggs and 1 cup buttermilk, but I used only 1 egg and 1/2 cup buttermilk, and the quantity was sufficient.)

Popcorn Chicken and Waffle Bits

AuthorJulie

Popcorn Chicken and Waffle Bits

Yields1 Serving

Popcorn Fried Chicken
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4-5 thighs)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
canola oil, for cooking
Waffle Bits
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup 2% or whole milk (or buttermilk, in which case add 1/2 tsp baking soda)
1 egg
1 Tbsp canola oil
Spicy Maple Butter
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup Sriracha
For Serving
2 cups popped popcorn

1

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and add to the egg mixture, making sure they’re fully submerged. In a shallow dish, stir together the flour, garlic powder and salt.

2

Heat an inch or two of oil in a heavy medium saucepan or deep skillet until it’s hot, but not smoking—a scrap of bread should sizzle when dipped in, or it should be about 350?F if you have a thermometer. Working in batches, remove the chicken pieces from the egg mixture and dredge in the flour, pressing as much onto the chicken as you can (particularly those damp bits of buttermilk and flour). Fry in batches, without crowding the pan, until crisp and deep golden, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

3

To make the waffles, in a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. In another bowl or measuring cup, whisk the milk, egg and oil. Add to the dry ingredients and stir just to combine. Cook in a preheated waffle iron until golden and crisp, and cut into bite-sized pieces.

4

In a small saucepan, melt the butter with the syrup and Sriracha, whisking until smooth. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces, waffle pieces, popcorn and a drizzle of the spicy maple butter. Serve in bowls, passing extra spicy maple butter at the table. Serves 4.

Category

Ingredients

Popcorn Fried Chicken
 2 large eggs
 1 cup buttermilk
 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4-5 thighs)
 1 cup all-purpose flour
 1 tsp garlic powder
 1 tsp salt
 canola oil, for cooking
Waffle Bits
 1 cup all-purpose flour
 2 tsp baking powder
 1 tsp sugar
 1/4 tsp salt
 3/4 cup 2% or whole milk (or buttermilk, in which case add 1/2 tsp baking soda)
 1 egg
 1 Tbsp canola oil
Spicy Maple Butter
 1/2 cup butter
 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
 1/4 cup Sriracha
For Serving
 2 cups popped popcorn

Directions

1

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and add to the egg mixture, making sure they’re fully submerged. In a shallow dish, stir together the flour, garlic powder and salt.

2

Heat an inch or two of oil in a heavy medium saucepan or deep skillet until it’s hot, but not smoking—a scrap of bread should sizzle when dipped in, or it should be about 350?F if you have a thermometer. Working in batches, remove the chicken pieces from the egg mixture and dredge in the flour, pressing as much onto the chicken as you can (particularly those damp bits of buttermilk and flour). Fry in batches, without crowding the pan, until crisp and deep golden, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

3

To make the waffles, in a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. In another bowl or measuring cup, whisk the milk, egg and oil. Add to the dry ingredients and stir just to combine. Cook in a preheated waffle iron until golden and crisp, and cut into bite-sized pieces.

4

In a small saucepan, melt the butter with the syrup and Sriracha, whisking until smooth. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces, waffle pieces, popcorn and a drizzle of the spicy maple butter. Serve in bowls, passing extra spicy maple butter at the table. Serves 4.

Popcorn Chicken and Waffle Bits
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About Julie

7 comments on “Popcorn Chicken and Waffle Bits

  1. esme
    February 2, 2019 at 10:22 pm

    I just love you, Julie. That is all I wanted to say. Only you could make a polar vortex seem warmer.

    • Julie
      February 3, 2019 at 9:43 pm

      Aw! Thank you! you’re so sweet! <3

  2. Anonymous
    February 3, 2019 at 9:05 pm

    Mmm. Looks like a very good way to warm up an especially cold February (-28 without wind chill atm).
    Thanks, Julie VR!

  3. Veve
    February 16, 2019 at 3:32 am

    Chicken with popcorn is something new. I need to try it.

  4. fnaf
    June 1, 2020 at 3:21 am

    The popcorn chicken and the waffles you make are delicious, the recipe you share is easy to understand. Thanks for sharing this great dish.

  5. smart@josef
    June 26, 2020 at 7:13 am

    Thanks for sharing amazing receipe

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