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
Scale
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
