Ingredients
For the Popcorn Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Crispy Coating
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Brown Gravy
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Assembling
- 2 cups cooked sweet corn
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix all coating ingredients in a shallow bowl. Coat each piece of chicken evenly.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Boil the potatoes until fork tender. Drain well, then mash with butter, milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Prepare the gravy by cooking butter and flour together for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings, and simmer until thick.
- Cook the corn until heated through.
- Assemble each bowl by layering mashed potatoes, sweet corn, crispy popcorn chicken, brown gravy, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken makes it extra tender and flavorful.
- Fry the chicken in small batches for the crispiest coating.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Keep each component separate until serving for the best texture.
- Leftover chicken reheats best in the oven or air fryer to stay crispy.
- Adjust the gravy consistency by adding more broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Deep Frying, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High Protein