Introduction
Peri Peri Popcorn Chicken is a fun, tasty, and spicy snack that everyone loves. It’s made with small pieces of chicken that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The peri peri flavor gives it a special spicy kick that makes it even more delicious.
Whether you’re making it for a party, a movie night, or just as an evening snack, this recipe is a winner. The best part? You don’t need to be a chef to make it. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make it right in your own kitchen.
Let’s get started and learn how to make this yummy dish!
No Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Peri Peri Popcorn Chicken:
For the Chicken:
- 300 grams of boneless chicken (cut into small pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or ½ cup plain yogurt + ½ cup water)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornflour (makes it extra crispy)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon peri peri seasoning
- A pinch of salt
For Frying:
- Oil for deep frying
- For Extra Peri Peri Flavor:
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon peri peri seasoning
Step by Step Process – Peri Peri Popcorns Chicken
Follow these easy steps to make your own crispy and spicy peri peri popcorn chicken at home:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- First, wash the boneless chicken pieces and cut them into small, bite-sized chunks.
- In a bowl, add the chicken pieces, buttermilk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix everything well. Let the chicken soak in this mix for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate it for 2 hours in the fridge. This makes the chicken soft and juicy.
Step 2: Make the Coating
- In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornflour, red chili powder, peri peri seasoning, and a pinch of salt.
- This dry mix will give the chicken its crispy coating.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Take out the marinated chicken.
- Now take each piece, roll it in the dry flour mix, and press gently so the flour sticks well.
- For extra crunch, you can coat it once, dip it again in buttermilk, and then coat it one more time in flour.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- Pour oil into a deep frying pan and heat it on medium flame.
- To check if the oil is hot, drop a small bit of the coating into the oil. If it bubbles, the oil is ready.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
- Carefully drop the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches.
- Fry them for 4–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Take them out and place them on a paper towel to soak the extra oil.
Step 6: Toss with Peri Peri Seasoning
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter and peri peri seasoning.
- Toss the fried popcorn chicken in this mix for that extra flavor.
Now your Peri Peri Popcorn Chicken is ready to enjoy!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280–320 kcal |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Peri Peri seasoning?
A: Peri Peri seasoning is a spicy and flavorful mix made with chili, garlic, lemon, and herbs. It adds a unique taste to food.
Q2: Can I bake the popcorn chicken instead of frying?
A: Yes, you can bake it at 200°C (390°F) for about 20–25 minutes. Flip halfway for even cooking. It will be a little less crispy but still tasty.
Q3: Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?
A: Yes, you can use plain yogurt mixed with water or even milk with a bit of lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute.
Q4: Is this recipe too spicy for kids?
A: You can make it less spicy by using less peri peri seasoning and red chili powder.
Q5: How long can I store leftover popcorn chicken?
A: You can keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it in an oven or air fryer to make it crispy again.
Final Thoughts
Peri Peri Popcorn Chicken is a quick, easy, and flavorful snack that brings a burst of spice and crunch with every bite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can make this at home—even if you’re new to cooking.
It’s perfect for parties, picnics, or just a weekend treat. You can enjoy it with ketchup, mayo, or your favorite dip. You can even stuff it in wraps or rolls for a tasty meal.
