Description
Learn how to make delicious homemade popcorn chicken with this easy recipe that results in crispy, flavorful chicken bites. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a kid-friendly snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Marinade:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken pieces with buttermilk and hot sauce, marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Prepare Coating: Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip chicken in flour mixture, then eggs, then flour again.
- Fry: Heat oil, fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauces.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture after the egg wash.
- Try serving with honey mustard, ranch, or spicy mayo.
- Air fryer variation: cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
