Description
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly delicious, this homemade popcorn chicken is the perfect snack, appetizer, or meal! Made with bite-sized pieces of tender chicken, coated in a flavorful, crunchy breading, and fried or baked to perfection. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and baking powder.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, shaking off excess. Dip each piece into the flour mixture, then into a whisked egg, and back into the flour mixture for a thick, crispy coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pan to 175°C (350°F). Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.
- Alternative Baking Option: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place coated chicken on a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve hot with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy mayo.
Notes
- For an extra crispy texture, double-coat the chicken by repeating the flour-egg-flour process.
- Use panko breadcrumbs in the coating for more crunch.
- Air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Works great as a snack, party food, or in wraps and salads!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg