Easy Popcorn Chicken

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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

Cook Time20

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken nuggets, fried chicken

Servings:

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.

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