Potato Chip Popcorn Chicken Bites

Can anyone tell me why they call it popcorn chicken? Like, I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation...does it resemble the look of popcorn? Did they use to serve chicken instead of popcorn at the movies? It's a fun name? Well, actually I don't really care why it's called popcorn chicken, I'm just glad that it exists. And even more glad that you can make it at home anytime that you like. With any type of chips that you like. 

For today's instance, Pepperoncini-flavored Kettle Chips. And no, this recipe is not sponsored in any way, I just reallyyyyyyy love them. Tangy, crunchy, salty. All the good characteristics of a perfect chip. Then crushed and coated all over mini bites of chicken? Heaven. Plus, my secret sauce is reason enough to make these. I think I found your weekend plans...

Potato Chip Popcorn Chicken Bites

Popcorn Chicken:

• 1/2 lb. chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 tsp. dried basil
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp. dried thyme
• pinch of cayenne
• pinch of salt
• 2 cups crushed potato chips (crispy kettle-style chips work best)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Honey Mustard Secret Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup dijon
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp. distilled white vinegar
• 1 tbsp. ketchup
• pinch of cayenne pepper

In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients to make the secret sauce and then place in the fridge until dinner time. Can be made up to 3 days in advance.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, basil, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and salt. Add the mixture to a large ziplock bag or shallow dish and then add in the chicken. Allow the chicken to marinate for 30-60 minutes.

Meanwhile, pulse together the chips and flour in a food processor (or smash into tiny pieces in a sturdy bag with a rolling pin) until chips are small pieces, but not ground like a powder (this is necessary for that crunch that we LOVE).

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet. Drain the excess marinade from the chicken and dredge the chicken in the potato chip flour mixture. Place all of the chicken pieces on your prepared wire rack and place into the oven to bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and crispy.

Remove from the heat and serve with your secret sauce!