Easy Popcorn Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 15 | Makes: 8
- 3 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 5 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko crumbs
- 1 cup oil, vegetable or canola
Ingredients for Popcorn Chicken
- Chicken Breast – Use fresh or thawed chicken, cut it into even, bite-sized pieces
- Flour – all-purpose flour works best for this recipe
- Salt – fine sea salt or table salt will do
- Garlic powder – adds extra flavor to the breading
- Buttermilk – makes the chicken juicy and the breading nice and crispy
- Panko Crumbs – add a nice, crunchy texture to the chicken
- Oil – use any high heat cooking oil such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or light olive oil
Popcorn Chicken is a classic comfort food that never gets old. These crispy and juicy bites are perfect for anyone, whether they're a kid or an adult.
Method
- Slice chicken breast – cut into even, bite-sized pieces.
- Make the flour mixture – Whisk the flour, salt, and garlic powder together in a medium bowl.
- Measure buttermilk & panko – Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl and the panko bread crumbs onto a plate.
- Dredge the chicken – Dip the chicken bites into the flour mixture, followed by the buttermilk then panko.
- Fry the chicken – Preheat about 1-inch of oil in a deep frying pan to 175°C and pop the coated chicken pieces inside. Fry in small batches until golden brown.
- Allow the chicken to rest – Remove the popcorn chicken from oil with a slotted spoon and let it rest on a plate lined with a paper towel to soak up the excess grease or a wire rack with paper towels underneath. Serve with your favorite sauce!
Tips for the Tastiest Popcorn Chicken
- Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces – To ensure even cooking, slice the chicken into similar-sized pieces.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken – Once the chicken turns golden brown, remove it immediately from the oil. The longer it cooks, the drier it will get. Chicken breast should reach 75˚C on an instant read thermometer when done.
- Check the oil with a thermometer – To make sure your oil has reached 175°C before adding the chicken.
- Season the batter – If you’re feeling adventurous, add in a couple teaspoons of different spices into the flour mixture. Cayenne pepper, freshly cracked black pepper, and paprika are all great flavorings.
- Add baking powder for extra crispy popcorn chicken – If you like your chicken extra crispy, add in a couple of tablespoons of baking powder to the flour mixture.
