{"id":32181,"date":"2021-01-14T19:43:23","date_gmt":"2021-01-15T00:43:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slimmingeats.com\/blog\/?p=32181"},"modified":"2023-11-24T11:34:19","modified_gmt":"2023-11-24T16:34:19","slug":"oven-baked-popcorn-chicken-with-dipping-sauce","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slimmingeats.com\/blog\/oven-baked-popcorn-chicken-with-dipping-sauce","title":{"rendered":"Oven Baked Popcorn Chicken with Dipping Sauce"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Popcorn Chicken - tender oven baked pickle brined Popcorn Chicken Bites served with the perfect chicken dipping sauce, these will be gone in seconds and loved by the whole family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Oven Baked Popcorn Chicken<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What is it about popcorn chicken bites that kids just love? I think it's the fuss free bitesize pieces of chicken they can just pop in their mouth with no bones etc. My kids love them especially from a place here in North American called Chick-fil-A. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However with us being in the middle of a pandemic and our nearest one being across the border in the US. I figured I'd treat the kids tonight with some leftover chicken I had and make my own. These were a huge success. The tray was cleared as fast as I put it on the table and they loved the dip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pickle Brined Chicken<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the signature things with Chick-fil-A chicken is the taste. It has unique taste of pickles, which I would have assumed comes from brining the chicken, but a quick google tells me it's the seasoning that gives it the taste and they don't actually brine their chicken in pickle juice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However if you have ever tried brining chicken or turkey you will know the result is lovely tender pieces of chicken and whenever I finish a jar of pickles. I save the juice in my fridge and then next time I have some chicken, it goes into the juice and brined overnight. Not only does it tenderize the chicken, it also adds amazing flavour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Okay okay!! If you are not a fan of pickles (gherkins) this recipe may not be for you. Although saying that my kids don't care for pickles (gherkins) but they loved pickle brined chicken - go figure!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Best Leftover Pickle Juice for Brining<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are so many different varieties of pickles (gherkins) out there, so which ones are the best for using the leftover juice for brining? I like to go for ones that have dill and garlic as added ingredients. I find this adds the best flavour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coating for Chicken<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For the golden coating, I use panko breadcrumbs. I just find the get the best result for oven baked chicken as they go nice and golden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use regular breadcrumbs if you prefer or you can even make you own using some healthy whole meal bread (which can also be counted as a healthy extra B choice if you are following Slimming Eats).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make your own breadcrumbs from wholemeal bread, just lightly toast the bread (otherwise it will be too soft) and then blitz in a food processor until fine breadcrumbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Do I need to use the yoghurt with the egg dip? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Usually when doing chicken bites, you dip in flour, then egg, then your coating, but wanting to skip the flour and a little yoghurt whisked in with the egg works wonders too to help the breadcrumbs bind to the chicken pieces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sides for Popcorn Chicken<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What kind of sides go well with the popcorn chicken? Well the dip is a must trust me. These are just the best pairings, but good ole ketchup is fine too, especially where kids are concerned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a healthy side I like these with just some salad - crisp lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes, simple but delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a more filling meal you may also want some chips\/potatoes were have some great options on Slimming Eats, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n