Crispy Popcorn Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Ground Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon McCormick® Cayenne Pepper
• 1 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon McCormick® Onion Powder
• 1 cup flour
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup Frank's RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce
• 1 egg, beaten
• Canola or vegetable oil, for frying
• Frank's RedHot® Secret Chicken Dip'n Sauce

directions

1. MIX salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder and onion powder in small bowl. Mix half of the seasoning mixture (about 2 1/2 teaspoons) with flour in medium bowl; set aside. Mix remaining seasoning mixture, buttermilk and Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce in large bowl. Add chicken, tossing to coat well. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.
2. HEAT about 2 inches of oil in large deep saucepan or cast-iron skillet on medium heat until temperature reaches about 350°F and 365°F (do not fill more than 2/3 of the way with oil).
3. DRAIN chicken, discarding buttermilk marinade. Add beaten egg to bowl with chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Working in batches, toss chicken with flour mixture to coat well.
4. WORKING in batches, carefully place the chicken in hot oil. Cook until golden brown and very crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove from oil using a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain. Serve hot with Frank's RedHot® Secret Chicken Dip'n Sauce.
   
   Test Kitchen Tips:
   • Don't have buttermilk? Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.
   • Try making these in your air fryer! To coat chicken, use 1 1/2 cups of panko breadcrumbs in place of the flour. Spray basket of air fryer and coated chicken lightly with no stick cooking spray. Place chicken in basket being careful not to overcrowd. Air fry at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
   • To prepare in the oven, coat chicken in 1 1/2 cups of panko breadcrumbs instead of flour. Place on a foil-lined baking pan, sprayed with no stick cooking spray. Spray chicken lightly with cooking spray, as well. Bake in preheated 375°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until crispy and cooked through.