You Want That Walmart Popcorn Chicken at Home? We Got You Covered (Because Let's Be Honest, the Drive-Thru Line is Rough)
Let's face it, folks. Sometimes that craving for Walmart's crispy, juicy popcorn chicken hits you like a rogue shopping cart in the parking lot. But who wants to deal with the questionable characters hanging out by the entrance, or the inevitable meltdown over which flavor dipping sauce to choose (spoiler alert: they're all good)? Fear not, my friends, because today we're taking back control of our popcorn chicken destiny. That's right, we're making it at home!
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How To Make Walmart Popcorn Chicken |
Gather Your Poultry Posse (and Other Supplies)
Here's what you'll need to turn your kitchen into a mini-Walmart deli:
- The Chicken: This is where things get real. You can be fancy and cube up some boneless, skinless chicken breasts yourself (we salute your commitment), but for the rest of us mere mortals, a bag of frozen, bite-sized chicken chunks will do just fine.
- The Dredge Brigade: We're talking flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and whatever other seasonings tickle your taste buds. Bold the spices you absolutely can't live without. This is your chance to get creative! Don't be afraid to experiment with a little cayenne pepper for a kick, or maybe some smoky chipotle powder for a southwest twist.
- The Wet Bandits: Eggs and, get this, mayonnaise. Yes, mayonnaise. Trust me, it adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the chicken's bath before its floury transformation.
- The Frying Frontier (or Baking Bonanza): Deep fryer? Air fryer? Cast iron skillet? The choice is yours, my friend. Just make sure you have a thermometer to keep that oil at the perfect temperature (unless you're going the air fryer or oven route, then you can high five yourself for being a healthy rebel).
- The Dipping Dream Team: Ketchup, honey mustard, ranch... the possibilities are endless! But don't forget the napkins, because things are about to get messy (and delicious).
Operation: Popcorn Chicken is a Go!
Now that you've assembled your crew, let's get cookin':
- The Chicken Coup: Cube that chicken (or thaw those frozen chunks) until they're bite-sized. No popcorn kernels here, people!
- The Dredge Debacle: In one bowl, whisk together your flour, cornstarch, and chosen spices. In another bowl, crack those eggs and add a generous dollop of mayonnaise. Whisk it all together until it looks like something vaguely resembling courage (because you're about to deep fry something, and that takes guts... or at least a healthy respect for hot oil).
- The Chicken Shuffle: Dredge your chicken piece by piece in the flour mixture, then take it for a dip in the wet mixture. Give it another good roll in the flour to make sure it's nice and coated.
- The Frying Fiesta (or Baking Brawl): If you're deep frying, heat your oil to around 350°F (175°C). Gently drop your chicken pieces in and fry until golden brown and cooked through. If you're air frying or baking, follow the instructions on your appliance and preheat to the appropriate temperature. Bake or air fry those chicken nuggets until they're crispy and delicious.
- The Dipping Delight: Drain your chicken on paper towels to get rid of excess oil (unless you're feeling a little extra crispy), grab your favorite dipping sauces, and prepare to be amazed by your own culinary prowess.
Congratulations! You've just made Walmart-worthy popcorn chicken at home. Now you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your delicious creation without the questionable company or the drive-thru drama. You're welcome.