Sweet and Sour Chicken and Mushroom Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
The takeout fake-out! We’re pairing kid-friendly popcorn chicken with crispy, breaded mushroom bites for a dinner that feels like a treat but packs a sneaky nutritional punch. Tossed in a sticky sweet and sour glaze, your family won’t even realize they’re eating their veggies!
Ingredients
- 1 package (227 g) white button mushrooms, halved
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (125 mL) breadcrumbs*
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) paprika
- Canola-based cooking spray
- 2 cups (approx. 400 g) frozen popcorn chicken
- 3/4 cup (175 mL) prepared sweet and sour sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) soy sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Set up two shallow bowls. Whisk egg in the first bowl. Mix breadcrumbs, salt, and paprika in second bowl. Dip mushrooms into egg, letting excess drip off, then toss in breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
Spread breaded mushrooms on one side of prepared baking sheet. Generously mist with cooking spray to help them brown. Spread frozen popcorn chicken on the other side of baking sheet.
Bake 10 minutes, remove from oven and gently flip mushrooms and chicken; Mist mushrooms with cooking spray. Return to oven and bake another 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Meanwhile, whisk together prepared sweet and sour sauce and soy sauce in a large bowl. As soon as chicken and mushrooms come out of the oven, immediately transfer to bowl. Toss gently until everything is coated in the glaze.
Transfer to serving platter and top with sliced green onions. Serve alongside rice or noodles if desired.
Air Fryer Directions:
Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Spread frozen popcorn chicken in a single layer in basket. Air fry for 12 minutes, shaking basket halfway through, until chicken is hot and ultra-crispy. Transfer cooked chicken to a large bowl and tent with foil to keep warm.
Arrange breaded white mushrooms in a single layer in empty basket (cook in two batches if needed to avoid crowding). Generously mist tops with cooking spray. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) until coating is crispy and golden brown, 7 to 8 minutes.
TIPS:
These mushroom bites are best when coated in regular breadcrumbs versus panko. If you only have panko on hand, give them a whirl in a blender or food processor.
Because these mushroom bites are not deep-fried, it’s important to generously mist them with a canola-based cooking spray so they bake up nice and golden brown, and crispy!
Keywords: Sweet and Sour Chicken and Mushroom Bites
