Easy Golden Homemade Popcorn Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crispy and golden chicken bites dance with a perfectly seasoned homemade popcorn chicken recipe that brings restaurant-style magic right to your kitchen.

These bite-sized morsels promise a delightful crunch in every single piece.

Juicy chicken transforms into irresistible nuggets with a simple coating technique that seals in flavor and texture.

Each morsel promises a satisfying crackle when you take a bite, making them an instant crowd-pleaser.

The secret lies in the perfectly balanced breading that clings to tender chicken chunks.

You’ll love how quickly these pop-able pieces come together with minimal effort.

Serve these delectable chicken bites as a snack, appetizer, or main course that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Popcorn Chicken Is a Crowd Favorite

• Crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces that'll make everyone at the table smile with pure joy, from kids to adults.
• Customize your meal with an array of dipping sauces, turning this recipe into a fun and interactive dining experience that keeps everyone excited.
• Master the art of perfectly crispy chicken with easy-to-follow dredging and frying instructions that guarantee delicious results every single time.

Ingredients for Popcorn Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken cuts that form the core of this crispy homemade dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Base coating that helps create a crispy exterior for the chicken.
• Salt, Garlic Powder: Seasonings that enhance the flavor of the flour coating.
• Buttermilk: Liquid that helps the breading adhere and tenderizes the chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that provide an extra crispy and light coating.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil used for deep frying the chicken pieces to achieve a golden brown color and crispy texture.

• Dipping Sauces: Condiments that complement the crispy chicken and add extra flavor to the dish.

How to Make Popcorn Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks.

Use a sharp knife to create uniform pieces that will cook evenly.

Gently pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect crispy coating.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Coating Stations

• First dish: Seasoned flour mixture (combine flour with salt and garlic powder)
• Second dish: Buttermilk
• Third dish: Panko breadcrumbs

Carefully coat each chicken piece by first rolling in seasoned flour, then dipping in buttermilk, and finally covering completely with panko breadcrumbs.

Press gently to help breadcrumbs adhere securely.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable or canola oil into a deep pot or dutch oven, filling about 2-3 inches deep.

Use a cooking thermometer to heat oil to exactly 350°F.

Maintaining the right temperature prevents greasy chicken and ensures a perfectly crisp exterior.

Step 4: Fry Chicken Pieces

Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil in small batches.

Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain consistent oil temperature.

Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and completely cooked through.

Use a slotted spoon to remove chicken and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serving

Sprinkle hot chicken pieces with a light dusting of salt immediately after frying.

Serve alongside an array of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Enjoy the crispy, juicy chicken while it’s hot and fresh!

Popcorn Chicken Pro Cooking Tips

• Use a sharp knife and cut chicken pieces exactly 1-inch to ensure uniform cooking and consistent crispiness throughout.
• Always pat chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels before breading to create a perfect crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Use a cooking thermometer to maintain 350°F for optimal frying, preventing greasy chicken and ensuring golden-brown, crunchy results every time.
• Never overcrowd the pot while frying, as this drops oil temperature and creates soggy instead of crispy chicken pieces.
• Place fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent bottoms from becoming soggy, maintaining that delightful crunch you're after.

How to Store Popcorn Chicken Easily

• Store leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating and crispy texture.
• Place chicken in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket halfway through to restore original crunchiness.

What Goes with Popcorn Chicken

• Pair with Tangy Ranch Dressing: Whip up a homemade ranch with buttermilk, herbs, and a splash of hot sauce for a creamy, zesty companion that cuts through the chicken's richness.
• Create Crispy Pickle Slaw: Shred fresh cabbage, mix with diced pickles, mayo, and a dash of apple cider vinegar for a crunchy, tangy side that adds bright contrast to the fried chicken.
• Serve with Sparkling Hard Cider: Select a dry, crisp hard cider that cleanses the palate between bites, offering a light, slightly acidic refreshment that complements the chicken's savory crunch.
• Mix Honey-Sriracha Dipping Sauce: Blend honey, sriracha, and a touch of lime juice for a sweet-spicy sauce that elevates the popcorn chicken with a bold, complex flavor profile.

Twist Ideas for Popcorn Chicken Flavor

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or almond flour. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free corn chips for coating. Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Protein Bites: Swap flour and breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds. Use egg wash instead of buttermilk for binding. Ideal for keto and low-carb dieters seeking protein-packed snacks.
• Baked Healthier Version: Skip deep-frying and spread chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet. Spray with olive oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Great for reducing oil intake while maintaining crispy texture.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to the flour mixture. Mix hot sauce into buttermilk for extra kick. Serve with jalapeño ranch or spicy honey mustard for heat lovers craving bold flavors.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk in the recipe?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and creates a tangy, flavorful coating that helps the breading stick better. It also adds moisture to the meat, ensuring your popcorn chicken stays juicy.

• Can I use a different type of breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs are recommended because they create an extra crispy exterior. However, you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs, though the texture might be slightly less crunchy.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The outside will be golden brown, and when you cut into a piece, the meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• What's the best way to keep the chicken crispy?

Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy and helps maintain the crisp texture all around the chicken pieces.

Creamy Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this creamy pasta symphony, where silky noodles dance with rich, velvety sauce. Culinary magic unfolds as each forkful promises a delightful escape that will transport you straight to pasta paradise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh herbs (basil or parsley)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, immersing pasta until it reaches tender perfection, typically 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract and preserve one cup of starchy liquid before draining completely.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame, introducing minced garlic and allowing it to dance and release its aromatic essence for approximately two minutes.
3. Cascade heavy cream into the skillet, nurturing a gentle simmer. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until a velvety, uniform sauce emerges. Modulate the texture using reserved pasta water if necessary.
4. Transfer drained pasta directly into the skillet, executing a thorough coating process to ensure each strand becomes luxuriously enrobed in the creamy concoction. Optionally, sprinkle fresh herbs for an elegant herbal whisper.
5. Artfully plate the pasta, crowning the dish with an additional snowfall of Parmesan cheese, elevating both visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Save that starchy liquid gold when draining pasta, as it helps create a silkier, more clingy sauce with perfect consistency.
• Garlic Caution: Watch carefully while sautéing to prevent burning, which can turn the flavor bitter and harsh.
• Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and smoother melting compared to pre-packaged options.
• Diet-Friendly Swaps: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter versions, and use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg