Looking to add variety to your appetizer menu? These crispy Pop Corn Chicken bites are the perfect addition to any gathering. This recipe was inspired by Afrolems and has proven to be a crowd favorite, disappearing almost instantly whenever served.
The secret to this recipe’s success lies in its preparation method – the chicken is first cooked, minced, and shaped into small balls before being coated and fried. For extra crispiness, try baking the balls before frying. The addition of fresh parsley adds a lovely herb note to these bite-sized treats.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken breast
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 medium onion, minced
- Scotch bonnet pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- Chicken seasoning to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Oil for frying
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Serves: 4-6 as appetizer
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Cut chicken breast into small pieces and season with scotch bonnet pepper, rosemary, onion, and garlic
- Step 2: Cook seasoned chicken until tender and all water evaporates
- Step 3: Allow chicken to cool completely
- Step 4: Process cooled chicken in a food processor until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs
- Step 5: Mix processed chicken with parsley, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, and egg until well combined
- Step 6: Form mixture into small balls (they don’t need to be perfectly round)
- Step 7: Spread remaining bread crumbs on a baking tray
- Step 8: Roll chicken balls in bread crumbs until fully coated
- Step 9: Optional but recommended: Bake coated balls at 350°F for 10 minutes
- Step 10: Heat oil and fry until golden brown
Additional Instructions
- Serve with a dipping sauce made from 2 parts mayonnaise and 1 part ketchup
- Add a dash of chili sauce to the dip for extra heat
- Can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before cooking
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
- Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 250 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 15g
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 20g
- Approx. Fat: 12g
