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Crispy Homemade Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Crispy Homemade Popcorn Chicken Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Whipping up homemade Popcorn Chicken is a total game-changer for your dinner routine. Crispy, bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned perfectly will become your new favorite quick meal that everyone at the table absolutely adores.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chicken breast
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Breading Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredient:

  • 1 cup oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Submerge your 2 cups of chicken breast pieces in 1 cup buttermilk for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the meat to absorb rich flavor and become tender.
  2. Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a mixing bowl, creating a seasoned coating.
  3. Pour enough cooking oil into a deep pan to reach 1-2 inches, heating to 350°F over medium heat.
  4. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off, and thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.
  5. Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot 350°F oil, ensuring they do not overcrowd the pan.
  6. Fry chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even golden-brown coloration and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Transfer fried chicken pieces onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and drain.
  8. Allow chicken to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving with your preferred dipping sauce for optimal crispiness.

Notes

  • Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, making each bite incredibly juicy and flavorful.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays around 350°F for perfectly crispy chicken pieces.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Pat chicken dry before coating to help the flour mixture stick better and create a crunchier exterior.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg