Spicy Pecan Popcorn Chicken

This recipe, Spicy Pecan Popcorn Chicken, these spicy and crunchy chicken nuggets are paired with a quick, creamy ranch dip.  If you can’t find coarse breadcrumbs, substitute Grape-Nuts cereal instead.

Spicy Pecan Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Spicy Pecan Popcorn Chicken

Canola oil cooking spray

¾ cup coarse dry whole-wheat breadcrumbs or Grape-Nuts cereal

½ cup pecan pieces

2 Tbsp. chili powder

¼ tsp. salt

1 egg white

1 Tbsp. water

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

¼ cup low-fat mayonnaise

¼ cup low-fat buttermilk or milk

1 tsp. dried dill or 1 Tbsp. fresh

½ tsp. garlic powder

 

Preheat oven to 450 F.  Thoroughly coat a wire rack with cooking spray and set on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Combine breadcrumbs or cereal, pecans, chili powder and salt in a food processor; process until the pecans are finely chopped and the chili powder is mixed throughout, about 1 minute.  Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish.

Whisk egg white and water in a second shallow dish.  Add chicken and turn to coat, then dredge in the pecan mixture, turning to coat evenly.  Shake off excess.   (Discard any remaining egg and pecan mixture.)   Place the chicken on the prepared rack and thoroughly coat with cooking spray.

Bake the chicken until no longer pink in the center, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk mayonnaise, buttermilk (or milk), dill and garlic powder in a small bowl.  Serve the chicken with the dip.

4 servings

 

(Recipe for Spicy Pecan Popcorn Chicken, Diabetic Connect, 2015)