Why You’ll Love Crispy Popcorn Chicken Recipe
-
Irresistibly crispy with a juicy center
-
Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients
-
Marinated for deep flavor in every bite
-
Great for parties, kids’ lunches, or game day snacks
-
Can be made ahead and reheated with ease
-
Customizable spice level
-
Budget-friendly alternative to takeout
-
Ready in under 30 minutes of active cooking
-
Pairs well with dips like ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard
-
Makes enough to feed the whole family
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 large eggs
Oil for frying
Directions
-
In a medium bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to marinate.
-
In another bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
-
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
-
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Remove the chicken from the marinade. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, then dip into the eggs, and coat again in the flour mixture for a crispy double layer.
-
Fry the chicken in small batches for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
-
Remove the pieces and let them drain on paper towels. Serve hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
Variations
-
Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne or hot sauce to increase the heat.
-
Mild Version: Skip the cayenne and reduce the hot sauce for a kid-friendly option.
-
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging.
-
Air Fryer Method: Lightly spray coated chicken and air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway.
-
Herb Twist: Add Italian seasoning or dried thyme to the flour for a herbal note.
-
Asian-Inspired: Swap hot sauce with soy sauce and add a bit of ginger powder.
-
Cheesy Coating: Mix grated Parmesan into the flour mixture for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating.
Freezing: Freeze cooked popcorn chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
FAQs
What kind of chicken is best for popcorn chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but chicken thighs can also be used for extra juiciness.
Can I make popcorn chicken without buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute plain yogurt thinned with milk or use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
How do I keep popcorn chicken crispy?
Double coating and frying at the right temperature help keep it crispy. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Can I bake this instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F on a wire rack for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, though it won’t be quite as crispy as frying.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild heat from the cayenne and hot sauce, but it can easily be adjusted to taste.
What dipping sauces go well with popcorn chicken?
Ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, spicy mayo, or sweet chili sauce all pair well.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight enhances the flavor even more and makes the chicken extra tender.
How do I know the oil is hot enough?
Use a thermometer to reach 350°F, or drop a small piece of coating in — it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
Can I use pre-cut frozen chicken?
You can, but make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before marinating and coating.
Can I use an air fryer?
Absolutely. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, for a healthier version.
Conclusion
This homemade popcorn chicken recipe brings crispy, golden bites full of flavor to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you can customize and make ahead. Whether you’re serving it up with dipping sauces or packing it in a lunchbox, it’s bound to be a favorite every time.
