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Bite-Size Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Bite-Size Popcorn Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 19-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Popcorn Chicken delivers a crunchy snack that’ll make your taste buds dance with pure delight. Grab some buttermilk, seasonings, and chicken, and prepare for a seriously addictive finger-food experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 500 grams chicken breast
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Grab 500 grams of chicken breast and slice it into bite-sized morsels. Season the pieces with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Let the chicken absorb the flavors for 15-30 minutes.
  2. Prepare three shallow dishes: one with 1 cup flour, another with 2 beaten eggs, and the third with 1 cup breadcrumbs.
  3. Roll each chicken piece in flour, ensuring complete coverage. Shake off excess powder.
  4. Dunk the floured chicken into beaten eggs, allowing any drips to fall back into the bowl.
  5. Transfer the egg-coated piece to breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the coating adheres completely.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to exactly 350F. The oil should be about 2 inches deep.
  7. Carefully lower breaded chicken pieces into hot oil, working in small batches to maintain temperature.
  8. Fry each batch for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the exterior turns a deep golden brown.
  9. Remove chicken using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  10. Let the popcorn chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to ensure crispy perfection.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor, but don’t exceed 2 hours to prevent texture breakdown.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness and lighter coating that stays crisp.
  • Pat chicken pieces completely dry before breading to help breading adhere perfectly and create a crispier exterior.
  • If avoiding deep frying, bake chicken pieces at 425F on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
  • Prep Time: 15-30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-5 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 415 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg