Crispy, bite-sized, and packed with flavor, homemade popcorn chicken is the perfect snack, appetizer, or main dish. These delicious morsels are easy to make, requiring simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving comfort food, this recipe delivers!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients for a budget-friendly dish.
- Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Kid-friendly and loved by all ages.
- Versatile enough to pair with your favorite dips or sides.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking oil for frying
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:ย Cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Make the Coating:ย In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the Egg Wash:ย In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
- Set Up a Breading Station:ย Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
- Coat the Chicken:ย Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat the Oil:ย Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Fry the Chicken:ย Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and fully cooked, about 3โ5 minutes per batch.
- Drain and Serve:ย Place the fried chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 4โ6 servings
- Prep Time:ย 20 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 15 minutes
- Total Time:ย 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version:ย Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture or egg wash for an extra kick.
- Baked Option:ย Bake the chicken at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for 20โ25 minutes, turning halfway through, for a healthier alternative.
- Air Fryer Option:ย Cook at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 12โ15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Gluten-Free:ย Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Seasoning Swap:ย Try Italian seasoning or Cajun spices for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:ย Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 5โ7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
FAQs
How do I keep the coating crispy?
Ensure the oil is hot enough (350ยฐF) and fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and are often juicier.
Can I freeze popcorn chicken?
Yes, freeze cooked popcorn chicken on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
What dipping sauces pair well with this?
Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo are excellent choices.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute buttermilk with a mixture of non-dairy milk and vinegar or lemon juice.
Is it okay to shallow fry instead of deep fry?
Yes, shallow frying works, but you may need to flip the chicken to cook evenly.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
Can I add herbs to the coating?
Absolutely! Finely chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary can add extra flavor.
What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil work best for frying.
Can I use a different breading instead of panko?
Yes, regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even crushed crackers can be used as alternatives.
Conclusion
Homemade popcorn chicken is a delightful treat thatโs simple to make and packed with flavor. With its crispy texture and tender interior, itโs a hit at gatherings or as a weeknight dinner. Customize it with your favorite seasonings and dips for a meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!
Print
Homemade Popcorn Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes(plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Popcorn chicken consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken that are seasoned, breaded, and fried until crispy. It’s a popular snack or appetizer that pairs well with various dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Marinade:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- For Frying:
- Vegetable oil or canola oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika.
- Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for better flavor.
- Prepare the Breading:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the breading mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
- Place the breaded chicken pieces on a plate or baking sheet.
- Fry the Chicken:
- In a deep frying pan or pot, heat about 1 inch of oil to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- While still warm, sprinkle the popcorn chicken with a pinch of salt if desired.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, consider double-frying the chicken: fry the pieces for 2-3 minutes, let them rest for a few minutes, and then fry again for 1-2 minutes until deeply golden.
- To bake instead of frying: Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Place the breaded chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- To air-fry: Preheat the air fryer to 390ยฐF (200ยฐC). Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket, lightly spray with cooking oil, and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
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