Crispy Popcorn Chicken: A Snack or Meal Everyone Will Love!

Popcorn chicken – it’s crunchy, golden, tender, and a complete crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or a fun main dish, these crispy chicken bites are always a hit. I’m sharing my ultimate popcorn chicken recipe that’s packed with flavor and perfectly crispy. This easy recipe is a go-to for parties, game days, or even a quick dinner when you need something delicious and comforting. The best part? It’s versatile, so you can customize it with different sauces, spices, or even cooking methods.

Why You’ll Love This Popcorn Chicken Recipe

• Crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside – Every bite is a perfect balance of crispy breading and tender, flavorful chicken.
• Quick and easy – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this dish on the table in under an hour.
• Great for any occasion – Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or meal, and always a favorite at parties.
• Kid-friendly – Even the pickiest eaters will devour these crispy chicken pieces.
• Customizable – Change up the seasonings or dip it in any sauce you prefer!

So, let’s dive into the recipe and get these delicious, crispy bites cooking!

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 (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds great depth of flavor!)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Breading:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (this is the secret to extra crispy chicken!)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, but adds a lovely kick!)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil (for frying)

For Serving:

• Dipping sauces of your choice (ranch, honey mustard, barbecue, sweet chili, or any sauce that’s your favorite!)

How to Make Popcorn Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

To get the juiciest, most flavorful chicken, marinating it in buttermilk is key. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken while infusing it with subtle flavor. Start by mixing the chicken pieces with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Make sure every piece is well coated.

Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for even better results, let it sit in the fridge for up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

While the chicken is marinating, get the breading ready. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. The cornstarch is what gives the breading that extra crispiness we all crave.

For an even crispier coating, we’ll double-dip the chicken (trust me, it makes a huge difference!). So, have a second bowl of buttermilk ready for dipping.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Once the chicken is done marinating, take each piece out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dip the chicken into the flour mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated. For an extra-crunchy crust, dip it back into the buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture. This double-coating creates that perfect crispy layer that will give you that satisfying crunch with every bite.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. The oil should reach around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of bread into it – if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go.

Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, it’s time to serve! Optionally, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor. Serve your popcorn chicken hot with a variety of dipping sauces. From ranch to honey mustard, barbecue to buffalo – the options are endless! You’ll love how versatile this dish is when it comes to pairing with different sides or sauces.

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Tips and Tricks for Perfect Popcorn Chicken

• Double-dipping is key to a crunchy coating! After the first dip in the flour mixture, dip the chicken back in the buttermilk and then recoat in the flour mixture for maximum crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. If you add too many chicken pieces at once, the oil temperature drops, and the chicken won’t fry properly. Fry in batches for the best results.
• Use a thermometer. It’s helpful to monitor the oil’s temperature while frying. If it’s too hot, the breading can burn before the chicken cooks through. If it’s too cold, the chicken will soak up too much oil.
• Spice it up! Add cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinade if you like a spicy kick. You can also toss the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce for extra flavor.
• For a healthier version, try air frying! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This gives you a crispy texture without the need for deep frying.

Variations on Popcorn Chicken

• Spicy Popcorn Chicken: Add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the buttermilk marinade for a spicy twist. The heat perfectly balances the crispy breading.
• Baked Popcorn Chicken: If you want to skip the frying, you can bake these crunchy bites! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange the breaded chicken on a baking sheet, and spray with a little cooking oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Asian-Inspired: For a twist, toss the fried popcorn chicken in a sweet and spicy sauce like honey garlic, Korean BBQ, or teriyaki. It’s an excellent way to switch up the flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Just double-check that your cornstarch and seasonings are gluten-free as well!

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: If you have leftovers (which is rare with popcorn chicken!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken pieces for later use. Just freeze them on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, just fry or air fry directly from the freezer.
• Reheating: To keep the chicken crispy when reheating, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10 minutes, or air fry for 5-7 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Popcorn chicken is incredibly versatile, making it the perfect addition to a variety of meals and occasions:

• Serve it alongside crispy French fries or potato wedges for a classic combo.
• Add a fresh green salad on the side for a lighter option.
• For a party platter, serve with multiple dipping sauces like ranch, sweet chili, or BBQ sauce.
• For game days, this popcorn chicken is a great finger food that everyone will love to munch on.

Conclusion

This crispy popcorn chicken recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or a fun main course, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to please. With its crispy, golden exterior and juicy, flavorful chicken inside, these little bites are perfect for any occasion. Serve them up with a variety of dipping sauces, and you’re sure to have a hit on your hands!

Enjoy the crunchy goodness, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends – it’s a recipe that brings everyone together!