Easy Popcorn Chicken

Crispy, golden, and absolutely irresistible—this Popcorn Chicken recipe is a must-try for any fried chicken lover! These bite-sized, crunchy pieces are seasoned to perfection and fried until beautifully crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside.

Perfect for game day, after-school snacks, or an easy weeknight dinner, this homemade version beats KFC and Sonic!

Serve with Homemade Mac and Cheese, Oven Fried Tater Tots or Salad and watch them disappear!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Flavorful – A perfectly seasoned coating that delivers crunch in every bite.
• Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in just about 30 minutes for a fast, delicious meal or snack.
• Kid-Friendly – A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients for Popcorn Chicken

• Chicken Tenders, or chicken breast cut into bite-sized chunks
• Buttermilk
• All-purpose flour
• Out Grilling SPG or seasoned salt
• Fry Oil: Peanut oil, vegetable oil or beef tallow

How to Make Popcorn Chicken Recipe

1. Marinate the Chicken – Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk.
2. Prepare the Coating – In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour and seasoned salt, mixing well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
3. Dredge the Chicken – Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered. Place in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.
4. Heat the Oil – In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil to about 350°F using an oil fry thermometer.
5. Fry the Chicken – Working in batches, carefully drop the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165° using a digital meat thermometer and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve & Enjoy – Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!

Dipping Sauces for Fried Chicken

• BBQ Sauce
• Honey Mustard Sauce
• Ranch
• Hot Honey

Recipe Notes

• Air Fryer Directions: For a healthier option, you can air-fry the chicken at 400°F for about 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Lightly spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Spice it Up: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mixture for a little heat.

More Fried Chicken Recipes to Try

• Fried Chicken Strips – Crispy, juicy, and perfect for dipping, these homemade chicken strips are even better than your favorite restaurant version.
• Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches – A delicious combination of crispy fried chicken cutlets, marinara sauce, and melted cheese on a toasted bun. The ultimate comfort food!
• BBQ Boneless Wings – Bite-sized crispy chicken thighs tossed in a smoky, sweet barbecue sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.

If you’re craving a crunchy, flavorful snack or meal that the whole family will love, this Popcorn Chicken recipe is just what you need! It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality results right from your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, party appetizer, or main dish, this crispy chicken is always a hit.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment and rating below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family!

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Easy Popcorn Chicken

Crispy, golden, and absolutely irresistible—this Popcorn Chicken recipe is a must-try for any fried chicken lover! These bite-sized, crunchy pieces are seasoned to perfection and fried until beautifully crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken nuggets, fried chicken

Servings: 4

Calories: 389kcal

Author: Milisa

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ pound chicken tenders or breasts cut into bite sized pieces
• ⅔ cup buttermilk
• 1 ¼ cups all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Seasoning salt
• 3 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

• Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk.
• In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour and seasoned salt, mixing well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
• Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered. Place in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.
• In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil to about 350°F using an oil fry thermometer.
• Working in batches, carefully drop the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165° using a digital meat thermometer and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• Serve hot with favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

• Air Fryer Directions: For a healthier option, you can air-fry the chicken at 400°F for about 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Lightly spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Spice it Up: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mixture for a little heat.

Nutrition

Calories: 389kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 1951mg | Potassium: 621mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 109IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2mg