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.
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
Instructions
Mix all ingredients for the pecan mixture in a medium mixing bowl and set aside.
Place flour and egg white mixture in a separate mixing bowls and set aside.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set next to the three mixing bowls.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Nutrition facts
Calories
680
Fat
56 g
Sat Fat
7 g
Sodium
810 mg
Carbs
23 g
Fiber
4 g
Protein
27 g
Meet Kristen
Hi! My name is Kristen Millican and I am so glad you have stopped by! Our family has been harvesting and selling pecans since 1888. I love sharing my favorite pecan recipes, stories about life on our pecan farm, and so much more!
The Only Collection of Best-Ever Pecan Recipes You'll Ever Need
Create memories around a table they’ll never forget. Our essential collection of 5th-generation Texas recipes is designed to help you master the buttery, golden warmth of the San Saba harvest.
From savory family dinners to cherished holiday sweets, discover how the world’s finest pecans elevate every dish.
Master Timeless Classics: Savory and sweet recipes perfected over 135 years.
Elevate Your Menu: Discover the functional superiority of Grade 1 Fancy pecans.
Carry On Tradition: Create the "secret ingredient" moments your family will crave.
Host with Confidence: Impress your loved ones with professional-grade results.
Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device
choosing a selection results in a full page refresh