Popcorn Chicken Salad is a delicious recipe, the perfect balance of salty and sweet from the ingredients. This salad is good for you, with crispy, low-fat chicken pieces over a bed of mixed salad greens.
It features whole wheat pasta, dried cranberries and raisins, and toasted almonds for an unexpected crunch. But best of all is the homemade poppy seed dressing that ties everything together into a truly tasty meal.
What Is Popcorn Chicken Salad?
Popcorn chicken is a thinly chopped bite-sized chicken that has been breaded and fried. It can be found in most Chinese restaurants. It’s amazing how they can transform a little bit of chicken into so many delectable morsels!
How To Make Popcorn Chicken Salad?
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
For cooking
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
For breading
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup fine yellow cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
Directions
Step 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Combine the flour and poultry seasoning in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Place the chicken breast in a plastic bag. Add the oil and coat the chicken with a flour mixture. Mix to coat completely and set aside.
Step 2. Mix the egg whites and cornstarch until well blended in a large bowl. Pour in 1/4 cup of water, mixing with your hands until it’s light and will hold its shape when you squash it between your fingers like a ball of dough. Set aside while you prepare the coating batter for your chicken pieces.
Step 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the breading ingredients.
Step 4. Dredge the chicken pieces in the egg mixture and then place them in the bread crumbs, coating each piece well. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Lightly spray non-stick cooking oil over the top and bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove and allow to cool completely before combining all of your ingredients.
Step 5. In a medium bowl, combine poppy seeds, vinegar, honey, and mayonnaise until well blended. Add the almonds, raisins, dried cranberries, and pasta. Toss well to combine ingredients.
Step 6. Divide salad mixture among four salad plates. Spoon chicken over salad greens and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts of Popcorn Chicken Salad
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 47 gm |
| Carbohydrates | 42 gm |
| Fat | 5 gm |
| Calories | 470 |
| Fiber | 6 gm |
| Sodium | 690 mg |
| Vitamin A | 60% |
| Vitamin C | 100% |
| Iron | 24% |
| Calcium | 25% |
| Magnesium | 10% |
| Potassium | 125 mgs |
| Zinc | 7% |
10 Amazing Health Benefits of Popcorn Chicken Salad
1. Improves Digestive Health
Salad is full of vitamin A, which helps in immune function and helps you fight infection. It’s also full of fiber which keeps your digestive system working smoothly.
2. Boosts Heart Health
Sodium and salt in the salad are good for heart health because they balance out the level of acidity in your body, keeping it balanced and helping you avoid potential heart diseases.
3. Cancer Fighter
Salad is a great source of antioxidants for your body. It also has vitamins that reduce cancer risk by strengthening the immune system.
4. Weight Loss Diet Aid
Food rich in protein and fiber helps you feel full, thus making it easier to resist junk food preventing weight gain.
5. Prevents Diabetes and Heart Diseases
High cholesterol levels are associated with heart diseases, while high-salt diets can cause high blood pressure, among other health problems such as diabetes and kidney failure. Eating salad can lower cholesterol levels by more than 45%.
6. Blood Cleaner
Food rich in vitamin A, such as salad, cleanses your blood by removing excess toxins and heavy metals from your body.
It also removes harmful chemicals that may be stored in your body. Those excess chemicals may be a cause of many health problems.
7. Cancer Fighter
Salad is a complete food which does not only fights cancer but also prevents it. Salad is an amazing food that provides raw material to your body, which can help remove the acids and carcinogens from your body.
8. Antibiotic Free
The salad contains lots of vitamin A that kills bacteria and helps you fight disease by providing a layer of protection over your skin, thus removing any bacteria on your skin that could cause infection.
9. Treats Respiratory Problems
Vitamin C in salad prevents you from getting a cold and treats bronchitis and other respiratory problems. It also fights infections and strengthens your immune system.
10. Skin Care
Vitamin A in the salad helps prevent acne by causing oil glands to work efficiently, thus effectively removing impurities.
Vitamin C in salad improves your skin tone, makes it healthy, and prevents premature aging of skin cells and wrinkles.
Is Chicken Popcorn Good For Weight Loss?
Yes indeed! Now, let’s look at more reasons why anyone should include chicken popcorn in their weight loss diet plan. Healthy, tasty, and good for everybody. Popcorn chicken is a great finger food that adds zing to any gathering, party, or even normal dinner time.
It is guaranteed to make you feel fuller with every bite you take due to its high protein content. So I think we can appreciate that as we try to lose weight and get healthier!
How To Serve Popcorn Chicken Salad?
Serve this salad as a main dish with a side of rice and some other vegetables. You can even top it off with some hot sauce if you like spicy food.
So, there you have it – the recipes of Popcorn Chicken Salad. Hope this blog helps in finding out more about popcorn chicken salad.
How To Store Popcorn Chicken Salad?
Chicken breast keeps well in the refrigerator in a zip-top bag for 3-4 days. The salad can be stored in an airtight container and can stay good for 1 week.
Conclusion
If you wish to reduce your calorie intake, you should eat more healthy snacks like popcorn chicken salad. It is a great snack for anyone who wants to reduce their calorie intake and enjoy minimum meal time.
And because of its protein content, it makes you feel full, provides you with nutrients, and makes the right choice. Enjoy the healthy recipes of popcorn chicken salad.
