Buffalo Popcorn Chicken Bites

Shelby Jo's Note:

From EveryDay with Rachael Ray Magazine, March 2012.

• Total Time: 27 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 6 cups vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 1/2 cups plain pancake mix
• 8 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
• 2 scallions, finely chopped
• 1 cup blue cheese dressing

Directions:

1. In a deep skillet, pour in the oil over medium heat. (It should reach 1 1/2 inches up the side of the pot).
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 2 cups pancake mix, 1 1/4 cups water, and 6 tsp hot sauce. Place the remaining 1/2 cup pancake mix in a wide bowl. Arrange the batter and the bowl of reserved pancake mix near the stove. Line plate with a few paper towels and keep within reach.
3. Once the oil is heated, toss the chicken pieces with the remaining 2 tsp hot sauce, then toss them in the dry pancake mix, coating evenly and shaking off the excess. Working in 3 or 4 batches, add the chicken to the batter and toss with your fingers or a fork. Remove from the batter, shaking off the excess, and carefully add to the hot oil. Fry the chicken, turning once with tongs, until deep golden brown about 4 minutes. Transfer the chicken to the paper towel lined plate to drain, then season with salt.
4. Stir the scallions and 1 tsp pepper into the blue cheese dressing. Serve the chicken immediately, with the dressing on the side.