Bite-sized pieces of tender chicken breast, seasoned and fried to golden perfection. This homemade version of a fast-food favorite is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course. With a crispy panko coating and juicy interior, every bite is irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Crunchy – Panko breadcrumbs create the perfect crispy texture.
- Juicy & Flavorful – Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken for extra juiciness.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Great for Any Occasion – Serve as a snack, appetizer, or meal.
- Pairs Well with Dipping Sauces – Enjoy with honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt, plus more to serve
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Directions
Prepare the Coatings
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, salt, and garlic powder.
- Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl.
- Place panko breadcrumbs on a plate.
Coat the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
- Dip the floured chicken into the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Roll the chicken in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Transfer coated pieces to a platter.
Fry the Chicken
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken in small batches, ensuring space between pieces.
- Cook, turning as needed, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve
- While warm, lightly sprinkle the chicken with additional salt if desired.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Popcorn Chicken: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk.
- Extra Crunchy: Double-dip by repeating the buttermilk and panko coating.
- Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked popcorn chicken in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating in Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Reheating in Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Microwave (Not Recommended): The coating may become soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.
2. What’s the secret to extra crispy popcorn chicken?
Use panko breadcrumbs and fry at the right temperature (350°F/175°C).
3. Can I marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight?
Yes! This will make the chicken even more tender and flavorful.
4. What dipping sauces go best with popcorn chicken?
Honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, and spicy mayo are all great choices.
5. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, but panko creates a lighter, crispier texture.
6. Can I fry these in a deep fryer?
Yes! Set the fryer to 350°F (175°C) and fry until golden brown.
7. How do I prevent my popcorn chicken from being greasy?
Drain on a paper towel-lined plate immediately after frying.
8. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use non-dairy milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar as a buttermilk substitute.
9. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love bite-sized crispy chicken. Reduce the seasoning for milder flavor.
10. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bread the chicken and refrigerate up to 24 hours before frying.
Conclusion
This Crispy Popcorn Chicken is golden, crunchy, and full of flavor—a homemade alternative to your favorite fast-food treat! Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or meal, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Try it today and enjoy every crispy, juicy bite!
Print
Crispy Popcorn Chicken
Bite-sized pieces of tender chicken breast, seasoned and fried to golden perfection. This homemade version of a fast-food favorite is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course. With a crispy panko coating and juicy interior, every bite is irresistible!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt, plus more to serve
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Coatings
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, salt, and garlic powder.
- Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl.
- Place panko breadcrumbs on a plate.
2️⃣ Coat the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
- Dip the floured chicken into the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Roll the chicken in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Transfer coated pieces to a platter.
3️⃣ Fry the Chicken
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken in small batches, ensuring space between pieces.
- Cook, turning as needed, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4️⃣ Serve
- While warm, lightly sprinkle the chicken with additional salt if desired.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
