Crispy Homemade Popcorn Chicken Recipe: Bite-sized Bliss

Hey, I’ve cracked the code for irresistible popcorn chicken that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Small pieces of juicy chicken get coated in a crispy, golden batter that shatters with each delightful bite.

Forget bland takeout – this homemade version brings serious flavor to your plate.

Every morsel promises a perfect crunch that speaks directly to comfort food cravings.

Seasoned with a secret blend of spices, these bite-sized morsels pack a punch of deliciousness.

Marinading the chicken beforehand ensures maximum tenderness and depth of flavor.

Prepare to become the culinary hero who transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Best Sides with Popcorn Chicken

• Savor Spicy Ranch Dip: Blend cool ranch dressing with sriracha sauce for a creamy, zesty kick that perfectly complements the crispy popcorn chicken's texture.
• Match with Crisp Craft Beer: Choose a light, hoppy pale ale or wheat beer to cut through the chicken's richness and refresh your palate between bites.
• Pair with Crunchy Coleslaw: Prepare a tangy, creamy coleslaw with a hint of apple cider vinegar to provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the hot, crispy chicken pieces.
• Create Sweet Chili Drizzle: Whisk together store-bought sweet chili sauce with a touch of honey to enhance the chicken's golden exterior and add a delightful sweet-spicy dimension.

Fun Flavors for Popcorn Chicken

• Gluten-Free Popcorn Chicken: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap flour and panko with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb coating that maintains crispy texture.
• Air Fryer Alternative: Skip deep-frying and cook chicken pieces in air fryer at 390°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and smoked paprika to the flour mixture for a zesty flavor profile that kicks up the heat and complexity.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for crispy popcorn chicken?

The key ingredients are chicken pieces, flour, buttermilk, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and garlic powder. These ingredients create a crispy, flavorful coating that makes the chicken deliciously crunchy.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy after frying?

Pat the chicken pieces dry before breading, use a three-step coating process (flour, buttermilk, panko), and make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F). Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.

• Can I bake the popcorn chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the chicken. Preheat the oven to 425°F, place the breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result will be slightly less crispy than deep-frying but still delicious.

• Is homemade popcorn chicken healthier than store-bought?

Homemade popcorn chicken is typically healthier because you control the ingredients, use fresh chicken, and avoid preservatives. You can also adjust the seasoning and use high-quality oil for frying.

Why Homemade Popcorn Chicken Is So Addictive

• Crisp Up Quickly: Enjoy perfectly golden, crunchy chicken bites that are super easy to prepare with simple kitchen ingredients.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Bite-sized pieces make this dish a hit for picky eaters, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Versatile Dipping Delight: Customize your meal with a variety of dipping sauces, transforming this simple chicken recipe into an exciting culinary experience that suits every taste preference.
• Stress-Free Cooking: Minimal preparation steps and basic ingredients mean anyone can master this recipe, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.

What You’ll Need for Popcorn Chicken

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh, boneless chicken perfect for crispy bites.

• All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour for creating crispy exterior.
• Salt: Seasoning to enhance flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle savory taste.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize and create a tangy coating.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for deep frying chicken pieces.

• Honey Mustard Sauce, Ranch Sauce, BBQ Sauce, Sweet Chili Sauce: Classic dipping sauces to complement chicken.

How to Make Crispy Popcorn Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Cut chicken into bite-sized 1-inch chunks.

Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the chicken pieces dry, ensuring a crisp coating later.

Step 2: Create Coating Stations

• Seasoned flour mixture (combine flour, salt, garlic powder)
• Buttermilk
• Panko breadcrumbs

Step 3: Coat Chicken Pieces

• First, coat in seasoned flour
• Next, dunk in buttermilk, letting excess drip off
• Finally, roll in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create a solid crust

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable or canola oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven.

Heat oil to 350°F, using a cooking thermometer for precise temperature.

Step 5: Fry Chicken Batches

Carefully lower breaded chicken pieces into hot oil.

Fry in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and completely cooked through.

Step 6: Drain and Season

Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Sprinkle with additional salt if desired.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate hot popcorn chicken immediately.

Offer delicious dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or sweet chili sauce on the side.

Popcorn Chicken Tips for Extra Crunch

• Pat chicken pieces completely dry before breading to ensure a super crispy and non-soggy exterior that stays crunchy longer.
• Use a reliable thermometer to keep oil consistently at 350°F, preventing chicken from becoming greasy or undercooked.
• Avoid overcrowding the pot when frying, which can lower oil temperature and create uneven cooking and soggy results.
• Experiment with different spice combinations in the flour mixture like paprika, cayenne, or dried herbs to add extra flavor dimensions.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko crumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

Keeping and Reheating Popcorn Chicken Leftovers

• Store leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture.
• Restore crispiness by placing chicken on a baking sheet and warming in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Avoid using the microwave to prevent soggy breading.
• Freeze cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Defrost frozen popcorn chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.

Homemade Popcorn Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy, golden homemade popcorn chicken promises a flavor explosion that delights taste buds with its irresistible crunch. Southern-style comfort meets quick, easy satisfaction in this crowd-pleasing dish you’ll want to devour bite by delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Ingredient:

• Vegetable or canola oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Prepare a clean workspace and gather all necessary ingredients for crispy popcorn chicken preparation.
2. Transform chicken into uniform, bite-sized morsels measuring approximately one inch, ensuring each piece is thoroughly dried with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Create three distinct coating stations: the first with seasoned flour mixture containing salt and garlic powder, the second with buttermilk, and the third with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Methodically coat each chicken piece by first rolling in seasoned flour, then fully submerging in buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and finally rolling generously in panko crumbs, gently pressing to ensure complete coverage.
5. Select a heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven and pour oil to a depth of 2-3 inches, heating carefully to precisely 350°F using a kitchen thermometer.
6. Carefully lower breaded chicken pieces into hot oil in small batches, avoiding overcrowding, and fry for 2-3 minutes until achieving a beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, and sprinkle with additional salt if desired for enhanced flavor.
8. Arrange hot popcorn chicken on a serving platter accompanied by an array of complementary dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or sweet chili sauce for a delightful dining experience.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are completely dry before breading to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy coating.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption, avoiding undercooked chicken.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F by using a deep-fry thermometer and adjusting heat to prevent burning or undercooking.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg