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When it comes to family dinners or casual gatherings, few dishes are as universally loved as crispy, flavorful popcorn chicken. Our Zesty Zucchini Popcorn Chicken takes this classic favorite to the next level by blending succulent chicken pieces with the fresh, vibrant taste of zucchini. This unique combination not only provides a delightful contrast of textures but also infuses the dish with added nutrition, making it a win-win for both kids and adults alike.

Zucchini Popcorn Chicken

Discover the deliciousness of Zesty Zucchini Popcorn Chicken, a family-friendly dish that elevates classic popcorn chicken with fresh zucchini for added flavor and nutrition. This easy-to-follow recipe features tender chicken marinated in buttermilk, coated in a crispy mixture of seasoned flour and panko breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection. Perfect for game nights or casual meals, this crowd-pleaser will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavors in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks

1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk for a dairy-free alternative)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for additional heat)

Cooking oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk. Ensure all pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This step helps tenderize the chicken while infusing it with flavor.

    Prepare the Breading Station: Set up a coating station by placing the seasoned flour mixture in one shallow dish. Mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper. In a separate shallow dish, pour the panko breadcrumbs.

      Bread the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Allow any excess buttermilk to drip off. Toss each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated, then dip it back in the buttermilk, and finally roll it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure a good coating, which will give maximum crunch upon frying.

        Prepare the Zucchini: In a mixing bowl, toss the diced zucchini with a drizzle of oil and season generously with salt and pepper. This step helps to achieve a nice crispness during frying.

          Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, pour in enough oil to reach about an inch deep. Heat over medium heat until the oil shimmers. To test the temperature, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

            Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, ensuring the pan isn’t overcrowded. Fry for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

              Fry the Zucchini: In the same hot oil, add the seasoned zucchini pieces in batches (add more oil if needed). Fry them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the excess oil.

                Serving: Serve your Zesty Zucchini Popcorn Chicken hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Present with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, and consider pairing with your favorite dipping sauce to enhance the flavor!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour | Serves 4