Popcorn Chicken Recipe
If you’re a fan of joyful, crunchy bites packed with flavor, then Popcorn Chicken is your new go-to recipe. These adorable, golden morsels bring fun to any table, delivering all the crispy pleasure of fried chicken in perfect, poppable portions. Whether you’re prepping a family movie night, hosting a casual get-together, or simply treating yourself to a comforting snack, Popcorn Chicken delivers on taste, convenience, and crowd-pleasing power. Each bite bursts with tender, juicy chicken and a shatteringly crisp crust—plus, it’s irresistibly dippable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up a batch of Popcorn Chicken requires just a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one is crucial to that bold, crowd-pleasing taste and perfect texture. Every component brings something special—for flavor, crunch, or juicy tenderness.
- Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the juiciest, most flavorful bites—thighs bring extra richness if you love dark meat!
- Buttermilk: The secret to tenderizing chicken and infusing it with subtle tang; it’s essential for that melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Hot Sauce (optional): Adds a gentle kick—use your favorite variety for an extra boost of flavor, or skip it for pure classic taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the ultra-crispy coating; it ensures each piece fries up golden and crisp.
- Cornstarch: Blends with flour to create shatteringly light, crispy crunch that’s absolute perfection.
- Paprika: Delivers warm, subtle color and a hint of smokiness that shines through every bite.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts the savory profile—don’t skip it if you love a little kick of umami!
- Onion Powder: Adds an extra layer of flavor depth, rounding out the seasoning blend beautifully.
- Salt: Draws out the best in every ingredient for perfectly seasoned chicken.
- Black Pepper: Gives just the right amount of gentle heat to balance the coating.
- Vegetable Oil: Ideal for frying—its neutral flavor and high smoke point give you golden, delicious results.
How to Make Popcorn Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
This step kicks off all the magic! Combine your chicken pieces with buttermilk and a splash of hot sauce (if you’re feeling bold) in a big bowl. The marinade will soak into the chicken, locking in juiciness and lending that subtle tang. Cover it up and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—the longer it marinates, the more flavor you’ll taste! You can even let it go for up to 4 hours if you have the time.
Step 2: Mix Up the Coating
While the chicken chills, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. This powerhouse blend guarantees every piece of Popcorn Chicken fries up crunchy, golden, and deeply flavorful. Don’t be shy—mix thoroughly to evenly disperse those spices.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid so the coating sticks perfectly. One at a time, toss those tender bites in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so every nook and cranny is coated. This is what forms that irresistible, crisp exterior you crave in good Popcorn Chicken.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat a generous two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t rush—let the oil get hot enough for crispiness without sogginess. Fry the chicken in batches, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch, until they’re gorgeously golden and cooked through. Transfer the finished bites to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil and keep them extra crisp.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Dig In
Your kitchen will smell positively irresistible! Serve your fresh Popcorn Chicken hot and watch them disappear. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces for a fun, interactive snack or meal.
How to Serve Popcorn Chicken
Garnishes
For fresh pops of flavor and color, shower your Popcorn Chicken with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions. A squeeze of lemon is fabulous for a touch of zest and brightness. Sesame seeds add crunch and a hint of toasty flavor if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Side Dishes
Popcorn Chicken shines brightest alongside classic comfort foods: think fluffy mashed potatoes, crisp coleslaw, sweet corn on the cob, or even a refreshing tossed salad. For a casual vibe, serve with fries or sweet potato wedges. They also make an unstoppable addition to a movie-night snack platter with veggies and dips.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn mealtime into playtime by skewering Popcorn Chicken on mini sticks for party-perfect bites or stacking them over waffles with a drizzle of spicy honey. For a fun food-court vibe, toss them in a paper cone or set up a “build your own” wrap station—lettuce leaves, tortillas, or slider buns make fantastic options!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cooled Popcorn Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you have leftovers, they’re a treat for quick lunches or snacking the next day—just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing to keep them from getting soggy.
Freezing
Want Popcorn Chicken on standby? Freeze fully cooked and cooled pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep wonderfully for up to a month. Pop them straight from the freezer to the oven or air fryer—no need to thaw first!
Reheating
To return leftover Popcorn Chicken to crispy glory, reheat in a 375°F oven or your air fryer until hot and crunchy, about 7 to 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that irresistible crunch intact. Serve immediately for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I bake Popcorn Chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a baked version, arrange the coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get a lighter bite, but still lots of crunch and flavor.
Does Popcorn Chicken work well in an air fryer?
It sure does! Arrange the coated pieces in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket, spray with oil, and cook at 400°F for 12–14 minutes. Give the basket a shake halfway through for even crispiness.
Which dipping sauces pair best with Popcorn Chicken?
Classic choices like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce are always hits. For a spicy kick, try sriracha mayo or buffalo sauce. Or keep it simple with honey or sweet chili sauce for a sweet-and-savory twist.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Thighs yield an extra-juicy, richer bite, while breasts offer a classic leaner flavor. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand—both work beautifully in Popcorn Chicken.
How do I know when my oil is the right temperature?
A kitchen thermometer takes out all the guesswork, bringing the oil to 350°F. If you don’t have one, test with a small piece of bread—it should sizzle and turn golden in about 60 seconds, letting you know it’s ready for Popcorn Chicken perfection.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably joyful about the crispy, golden bites of Popcorn Chicken. Whether you’re looking for a family favorite or planning your next party platter, this recipe is guaranteed to bring out big smiles and empty plates. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and see why Popcorn Chicken always steals the show!
Print
Popcorn Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious and crispy popcorn chicken at home with this easy recipe. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these bite-sized chicken pieces are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
For the Coating:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, and hot sauce if using. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Coating: Mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, coat each piece in the flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil to 350°F, fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with dipping sauces.
Notes
- For a baked version, spray coated chicken with oil and bake at 425°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 400°F for 12–14 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
