Crispy Popcorn Chicken
This Crispy Popcorn Chicken features bite‑sized pieces of juicy chicken coated in a crunchy seasoned crust. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for its golden crisp exterior and tender interior that pairs beautifully with your favorite dipping sauces.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast pieces
Flour
Cornstarch
Seasoned breadcrumbs
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Paprika
Eggs
Buttermilk
Oil for frying
directions
-
Cut chicken into bite‑sized pieces.
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Whisk eggs with buttermilk.
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In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, seasonings, and breadcrumbs.
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Dip chicken in buttermilk mixture, then dredge in dry mix.
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Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through.
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Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes
Total: 27 minutes
Variations
• Add cayenne for heat.
• Bake instead of frying for a lighter option.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes.
FAQs
What cut of chicken is best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh works well.
Can I air fry this?
Yes, air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Honey mustard, BBQ, ranch, or sweet chili.
Can I marinate overnight?
Yes, marinate in buttermilk mixture for extra tender results.
Is cornstarch necessary?
Cornstarch helps make the coating crispier.
Can this be gluten‑free?
Use gluten‑free flour and breadcrumbs.
How do I keep it crispy?
Avoid stacking pieces; serve immediately.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, adjust frying time accordingly.
Why is my coating falling off?
Ensure the chicken is patted dry before dredging.
Can I prep ahead?
You can bread the pieces and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
Conclusion
A simple yet irresistible treat, this Crispy Popcorn Chicken will be a crowd‑pleaser for weeknight dinners or parties.
PrintCrispy Popcorn Chicken
Crispy popcorn chicken is bite-sized pieces of chicken seasoned, breaded, and fried to golden perfection. Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, it’s perfect for snacking, parties, or a quick dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Ranch or honey mustard, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour and cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing to coat well.
- Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Double dredge the chicken for extra crunch.
- You can bake or air fry for a healthier alternative—spray with oil and cook at 400°F (200°C) until crispy.
- Perfect for meal prepping—freeze after frying and reheat in the oven.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier bites.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: popcorn chicken, crispy chicken bites, fried chicken, snack chicken, halal chicken recipe
