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Baked Popcorn Chicken - A healthier alternative to the deep-fried version with the best crispy potato chip crust!! No one will believe that this is baked!

A healthier alternative to the deep-fried version with the best crispy potato chip crust!! No one will believe that this is baked!

Baked Popcorn Chicken - A healthier alternative to the deep-fried version with the best crispy potato chip crust!! No one will believe that this is baked!

Nope. The title is correct. This is baked.

Yes, completely baked from 0 to 100.

Baked Popcorn Chicken - A healthier alternative to the deep-fried version with the best crispy potato chip crust!! No one will believe that this is baked!

The secret? The epic potato chip crust!

And the beauty of the crust is how many variations you can use since Kettle Brand has so many bold flavors – pepperoncini, sriracha, maple bacon, etc. – you name it.

Baked Popcorn Chicken - A healthier alternative to the deep-fried version with the best crispy potato chip crust!! No one will believe that this is baked!

I used sour cream and onion here but you know Sriracha is next on my list.

Then the pepperoncini….then the roasted garlic……well, let’s just say I’m making my way down the list to hit them all.

Baked Popcorn Chicken

Baked Popcorn Chicken

A healthier alternative to the deep-fried version with the best crispy potato chip crust!! No one will believe that this is baked!
4.6 stars (9 ratings)

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 cups reduced fat buttermilk
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups crushed Sour Cream and Onion Kettle Brand® Potato Chips
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a cooling rack with nonstick spray and place on a baking sheet; set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine chicken, buttermilk, garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper, to taste; marinate for at least 30 minutes. Drain well.
  • Working in batches, dredge chicken in crushed potato chips, pressing to coat. Place onto the prepared baking sheet; drizzle with butter.
  • Place into oven and bake, turning pieces halfway through, until crisp and cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Kettle BrandAs always, I only partner with brands that I love and truly believe in, allowing me to create more quick and easy recipes to get us through the week without breaking the bank. All opinions expressed are my own.