Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn Chicken consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken that are seasoned, breaded, and fried to crispy perfection. These crunchy, juicy morsels are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish and pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and flavorful with tender, juicy chicken
• Great for parties, game days, or quick meals
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Versatile for pairing with different sauces and sides
• Kid-friendly and perfect for sharing

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil or canola oil

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Prepare the Breading:
   • In a separate bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Chicken:
   • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
   • Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until well coated. For extra crunch, dip back into buttermilk and re-coat in flour.
4. Heat the Oil:
   • Pour about 2 inches of oil into a large skillet or pot. Heat to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Chicken:
   • Fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
   • Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve:
   • Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)

Variations

• Spicy Popcorn Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with oil to help crisp the coating.
• Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Asian-Inspired: Toss cooked chicken in a sweet and spicy sauce like honey garlic or Korean BBQ.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked popcorn chicken on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are juicy and add extra flavor.

2. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

Double breading (flour, buttermilk, flour) and using cornstarch in the breading mix help create a crispier crust.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of plant-based milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

4. What dipping sauces go well with popcorn chicken?

Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or sweet chili sauce are all delicious choices.

5. Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?

Yes, air frying is a great alternative. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

6. How do I avoid the breading from falling off?

Pat the chicken dry before marinating and press the breading firmly onto the chicken pieces. Let them rest for a few minutes before frying.

7. Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes, marinate the chicken ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before breading and frying.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

9. How can I make this recipe healthier?

Bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying, and use whole-wheat flour or almond flour for the breading.

10. Can I add seasoning to the breading mix?

Yes, feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices, like Italian seasoning or smoked paprika, for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Popcorn Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a crispy, golden crust and tender, juicy chicken inside, these bite-sized pieces are great for snacking, appetizers, or even as a main course. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, this recipe delivers satisfying crunch and flavor every time. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them disappear!

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