When my hubby said on a date that Dougie’s fried chicken poppers were his favorite food, I nodded, smiled and thought to myself, “Those days are now done.” Yet, they don’t have to be.
Although hubby enjoys all my recipes tremendously, there is still something about hot poppers that attracts men – like women and shopping.
I decided to create a homemade version which is on the healthy(ish) side because it’s not fried, and it’s not greasy takeout. I also wanted to serve it next to crunchy garlicky green beans for some eye-catching heart-healthy vegetable accompaniment. I happened to have read an article online about green beans and the amount of fiber they have, some of it soluble fiber.
Soluble fiber may help lower so-called bad cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. It may also lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Thus, the perfect side dish to accompany poppers.
And what do you know? He licked the entire plate clean. These poppers will satisfy every man in your household, and you can adjust the heat to your liking, as well. If you don’t want it too spicy, add less hot sauce and more ketchup. Like they say, there’s nothing better than some #fakeouttakeout!
Baked Poppers
Ingredients:
1 package of boneless chicken (cut up into cubes)
2 cups flour
2 eggs
3-4 cups crushed cornflakes (I used the cereal and crushed it by hand for a thicker consistency)
¼ cup Frank’s hot sauce
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 tsp canola oil
1 cup ketchup
Directions:
To avoid a mess in the kitchen, create an assembly line. Use small disposable pans or bowls. In one, place the flour. In the second, place the whisked eggs. In the third, place the crushed cornflakes.
Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, then egg, then cornflakes, and place in a 9×13 pan. Spray the tops of the chicken nuggets well with cooking spray and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
Meanwhile, mix the ketchup, oil, brown sugar and hot sauce. Pour the desired amount over the cooked nuggets and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Garlicky Green Beans
Ingredients:
1 bag fresh green beans
2 cubes frozen crushed garlic
Olive oil
4 tsp soy sauce
4 tsp dark brown sugar
Directions:
Sauté the garlic cubes in olive oil until browned.
Add the green beans, soy sauce and brown sugar.
Sauté for another 3-5 minutes, then turn off the flame for crunchy, non-soggy green beans!
Enjoy!