Crispy Pollo Bites from Pollo Tropical feature tender, marinated chicken pieces coated in a golden, crunchy breading, delivering a flavorful and satisfying bite-sized snack perfect for any occasion.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Sheet pan
- Wire rack
- Paper towels
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Your choice between chicken breast or thigh will impact the flavor and tenderness; thigh meat offers more juiciness while breast provides a leaner option. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and infuses the spices like garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper for balanced seasoning. Combining all-purpose flour with cornstarch in the breading mix enhances the crunchiness and ensures a golden coating. Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones gives Crispy Pollo Bites an extra crispy texture that holds up well during frying. Enjoy recreating this popular Crispy Pollo Bites from Pollo Tropical copycat menu for a delicious, satisfying snack at home.
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces on the cutting board using the chef’s knife.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls:
- First bowl: Combine all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
- Second bowl: Beat eggs.
- Third bowl: Place panko breadcrumbs.
- Remove chicken from marinade.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture.
- Dip coated chicken pieces into beaten eggs.
- Dredge chicken in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches, using tongs, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- Transfer cooked bites to a wire rack set over a sheet pan lined with paper towels, using a slotted spoon or spider strainer.
- Serve Crispy Pollo Bites hot.
Substitution
Crispy Pollo Bites from Pollo Tropical copycat menu can be prepared using chicken breast or thigh, with thigh providing more juiciness and flavor. Buttermilk in the marinade tenderizes the chicken; if unavailable, you can substitute with yogurt or milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar. Panko breadcrumbs create the signature crunch, but crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs can work in a pinch. When frying, maintain oil temperature between 350degF and 375degF to ensure a crispy exterior without overcooking the meat; use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 165degF for safety. Your wire rack helps drain excess oil, preserving crispiness better than paper towels alone.
Tips
Ensure your oil temperature is consistently maintained at 350degF (175degC) for even cooking and to prevent greasy bites. Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken pieces reach an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) to guarantee food safety. When dredging, press panko breadcrumbs firmly onto your chicken for a crispy, golden crust. Allow your fried chicken to drain on a wire rack over paper towels to keep the breading crisp rather than soggy.
Nutritions
Crispy Pollo Bites provide a good protein source from tender chicken breast or thigh, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. The buttermilk marinade adds calcium and probiotics, while the seasoning blend contributes minimal calories with antioxidant benefits from paprika and oregano. However, frying in vegetable oil increases the calorie and fat content, so enjoy this snack in moderation to balance your dietary goals. You can make it healthier by opting for air frying instead of deep frying.
Storage
Store leftover Crispy Pollo Bites in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Reheat by placing them on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispiness without drying out the chicken. Your bites will stay flavorful when properly stored and reheated this way, ensuring a satisfying snack each time.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap buttermilk with Greek yogurt thinned with a little milk for a tangy marinade that tenderizes chicken equally well. Instead of deep frying, try oven baking the coated bites at 425degF (220degC) on a wire rack to achieve a crispy texture with less oil. Experiment with adding ground cumin or smoked paprika to the flour mixture for a smoky depth of flavor. For a gluten-free version, use rice flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs while maintaining the same frying temperature and time.
Allergies
Crispy Pollo Bites contain common allergens such as eggs and wheat, both present in the breading and batter mixture. The use of buttermilk introduces dairy, which can affect those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. If you have food allergies, it is important to review ingredient labels and consider potential cross-contamination risks during preparation.
Why this recipe?
Crispy Pollo Bites from Pollo Tropical stand out for their perfectly seasoned, tender chicken with a golden, crunchy exterior that delivers satisfying texture in every bite. The unique blend of Caribbean spices and perfectly cooked marinated chicken creates a flavorful experience that keeps customers coming back. You can capture the authentic taste and quality at home by making a copycat version, allowing you to enjoy this beloved menu item anytime. Trying the recipe also offers a great opportunity to customize spice levels and experiment with dipping sauces, enhancing your culinary creativity.