Pecan Popcorn Chicken

By: Lexi Davidson, Lexi's Clean Kitchen

Serving Size: 4

Cook Time: 15 mins Prep
15 mins Cooking

This Pecan Popcorn Chicken makes for the perfect kid-friendly snack! Pecan-crusted chicken bites are paired with a cajun garlic dipping sauce for an extra kick.

Ingredients:

Pecan Mixture:

1 3/4 cup pecan pieces, using food processor

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Egg White Mixture:

2 egg whites

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Other Ingredients:

1/2 cup flour

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup avocado oil, pecan oil, or oil of choice, more as necessary for frying

Cajun Garlic Dipping Sauce: (makes 1/3 cup)

1 tablespoon dijon mustard

3 garlic cloves minced

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/4 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Process:

  1. Mix all ingredients for the pecan mixture in a medium mixing bowl and set aside.
  2. Place flour and egg white mixture in a separate mixing bowls and set aside.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set next to the three mixing bowls.
  4. Place chicken in the egg mixture, dredge in flour, place back into the egg mixture and then dredge in pecan mixture. Make sure to coat the chicken generously in the pecan mix.
  5. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Splash a drop of water in it, if it sizzles, it is ready to go!
  6. Carefully, place the chicken in the hot skillet and fry for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
  7. Make the Cajun garlic dipping sauce: While chicken is cooking, place the cajun garlic dipping sauce ingredients into a high-speed blender. Blend until just combined. Taste and adjust lemon and spices as necessary. Pour into desired serving cupsand set aside until ready to eat.

Recipe notes: 

*Bake the chicken poppers instead of frying: Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F. Bake for 12 minutes. Transfer chicken to the top rack of the oven and broil on high for 1-2 minutes on each side, until the outside is golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Nutritional Facts:

Calories

680

Fat

56 g

Saturated Fat

7 g

Sodium

810 mg

Carbs

23 g

Fiber

4 g

Protein

27 g

Other Recommended Recipes:

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Pecan, Grape, and Pickled Onion Flatbread

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Pecan Main Dishes

Za’atar Spiced Pecans and Quinoa Veggie Bowl

By: Erin Alderson, Naturally Ella