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Crispy Brown Butter Cheddar Popcorn Chicken Bites Recipe with Pickled Onions

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These crispy chicken bites feature a nutty brown butter and sharp cheddar coating paired with tangy pickled onions for a perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy, buttery, and tangy flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup thinly sliced red onions
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for pickling)
  • Vegetable or canola oil, about 4 cups (1 liter) for deep frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pickled onions by combining apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan and bringing to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and pour over thinly sliced red onions in a jar or bowl. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Brown the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it foams and turns nutty brown, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly combined.
  4. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the cheddar flour mix, pressing lightly to adhere. Set coated bites on a plate or tray.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry the chicken bites in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C). Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
  7. Immediately drizzle or brush the warm brown butter over the hot chicken bites.
  8. Serve the chicken bites with pickled onions on the side or piled on top.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before coating for best crispiness. Maintain oil temperature between 350-360°F to avoid greasy or burnt bites. Brown butter step is essential for flavor. Reheat leftovers in oven or air fryer to keep crisp. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: popcorn chicken, brown butter, cheddar, pickled onions, crispy chicken bites, snack, appetizer, easy recipe, game night

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/crispy-brown-butter-cheddar-popcorn-chicken-bites-recipe-with-pickled-onions-easy-step-by-step-guide/