Description

This Perfect Homemade Popcorn Chicken Recipe delivers crispy, golden bites of chicken with just the right amount of spice. It’s easy to make and perfect for snacking, entertaining, or feeding picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and pour buttermilk over the chicken. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot until it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Take each piece and coat it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring all sides are covered.
Working in batches, carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per batch or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pot.
Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

For extra crunch, double dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour mixture before frying. Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F (175°C) for best results.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 320
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 400
Fat: 15
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 20
Fiber: 1
Protein: 25

Keywords: popcorn chicken, crispy chicken, fried chicken, homemade chicken bites, comfort food