Description
This Baked Popcorn Chicken recipe offers a crispy, flavorful twist on classic fried chicken by using crushed potato chips as a crunchy coating and baking instead of frying. Marinated in a herb-infused buttermilk mixture, the chicken thighs stay juicy and tender while achieving a golden, crispy texture in the oven, making it a healthier and delicious option for a family-friendly meal or party snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 cups reduced fat buttermilk
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Coating and Topping
- 3 cups crushed Sour Cream and Onion Kettle Brand® Potato Chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Rack: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a cooling rack with nonstick spray and place it on a baking sheet; this setup allows the chicken to bake evenly and stay crisp.
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken chunks with buttermilk, smashed garlic, dried basil, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), kosher salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness. After marinating, drain the chicken well to remove excess buttermilk.
- Coat Chicken in Potato Chips: Crush the potato chips into coarse crumbs. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the crushed potato chips, pressing firmly to ensure an even and thorough coating.
- Arrange and Add Butter: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking rack arranged on the baking sheet. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the chicken to promote browning and crispness.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning each piece halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping and thorough cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot for best texture and taste.
Notes
- Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Marinating for at least 30 minutes is essential for tender and flavorful chicken.
- Crushed potato chips add a unique crunchy texture and flavor, but feel free to substitute with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers if preferred.
- Drizzling melted butter helps achieve a deep golden color and crisp crust when baked.
- Ensure pieces are spaced on the rack to allow hot air circulation for even cooking.
- Turning the chicken halfway through baking prevents sogginess and promotes uniform crispiness.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the peak crispiness of the coating.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked popcorn chicken, crispy chicken, oven-baked chicken, potato chip chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, party snack, juicy chicken thighs
