Crispy Basil Popcorn Chicken
Bite-sized chicken tossed in a light, crispy coating and finished with fragrant fried basil and chili heat. Ready in 12 minutes—the ultimate craveable snack.
- Total time
- 12 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 38g
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- ½ tsp chili flakes or cayenne pepper
- ½ cup neutral oil for frying
Instructions
- 1
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Toss with salt and pepper.
- 2
Mix flour, cornstarch, and chili flakes in a bowl. Dredge chicken pieces until fully coated.
- 3
Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high until a pinch of flour sizzles on contact, ~2 minutes.
- 4
Working in batches, fry chicken 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy on all sides. Drain on paper towels.
- 5
Add basil to the hot oil, swirl for 20–30 seconds until fragrant, then remove with a slotted spoon.
- 6
Toss chicken and fried basil together. Season with salt to taste and serve immediately.
Tools you’ll need
- 12-inch skillet
- medium mixing bowl
- paper towels
- slotted spoon
- instant-read thermometer (optional)
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