Can I make popcorn chicken without a deep fryer?

Absolutely! You can use a deep skillet or Dutch oven with about 2-3 inches of oil. The key is maintaining an oil temperature around 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer for best results, and cook in small batches to avoid overcrowding and temperature drops.

What dipping sauces pair well with popcorn chicken?

Popular options include honey mustard, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, and aioli. For homemade options, try mixing mayo with sriracha or combining honey with a bit of mustard and cayenne for a sweet-spicy dip.

Can I bake this popcorn chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Prepare as directed, then arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray or drizzle with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. The coating won't be quite as crispy as fried, but it's a healthier alternative.

How long can I marinate the chicken in buttermilk?

For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The longer marinating time allows the buttermilk's acidity to tenderize the chicken further, resulting in juicier, more flavorful pieces.

What's a good substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. Plain yogurt thinned with a bit of milk also works well as a buttermilk alternative.

Can I prepare popcorn chicken ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken pieces ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours before frying. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.

Crispy Juicy Popcorn Chicken

Category: Quick & Tasty Snack Ideas

This crispy popcorn chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home with minimal effort. Bite-sized chicken pieces are marinated in buttermilk before being double-coated in a seasoned flour mixture featuring paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne for a perfect crunch and flavor in every bite. The double-breading technique ensures maximum crispiness, while a quick 3-4 minute fry creates juicy, tender chicken inside. It's perfect for snacking, appetizers, or as a main dish when paired with dipping sauces. The entire process takes just 35 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight cooking when you want something more exciting than ordinary chicken dishes.

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By Lena

Updated on Sun, 27 Apr 2025 19:33:36 GMT

A plate of food with a dipping sauce. | recipesbylena.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make popcorn chicken without a deep fryer?: Absolutely! You can use a deep skillet or Dutch oven with about 2-3 inches of oil. The key is maintaining an oil temperature around 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer for best results, and cook in small batches to avoid overcrowding and temperature drops.
→ What dipping sauces pair well with popcorn chicken?: Popular options include honey mustard, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, and aioli. For homemade options, try mixing mayo with sriracha or combining honey with a bit of mustard and cayenne for a sweet-spicy dip.
→ Can I bake this popcorn chicken instead of frying?: Yes! Prepare as directed, then arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray or drizzle with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. The coating won't be quite as crispy as fried, but it's a healthier alternative.
→ How long can I marinate the chicken in buttermilk?: For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The longer marinating time allows the buttermilk's acidity to tenderize the chicken further, resulting in juicier, more flavorful pieces.
→ What's a good substitute for buttermilk?: You can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. Plain yogurt thinned with a bit of milk also works well as a buttermilk alternative.
→ Can I prepare popcorn chicken ahead of time?: You can bread the chicken pieces ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours before frying. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.

Crispy Popcorn Chicken

Perfectly crispy, juicy chicken bites with a flavorful coating - ready in just 35 minutes for a delicious snack or meal.

Prep Time

15 min

Cooking Time

20 min

Total Time

35 min

By: Lena

Category: Snacks

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: American

Yield: 4 Serves (4 servings of popcorn chicken)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Marinade

02 1 cup buttermilk

→ Coating

03 1 cup all-purpose flour

04 1 teaspoon paprika

05 1 teaspoon garlic powder

06 1 teaspoon onion powder

07 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

08 1 teaspoon salt

09 ½ teaspoon black pepper

10 2 eggs

11 2 tablespoons milk

→ Frying

12 Oil, for frying

Steps to Follow

Step 01

In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours if time allows).

Step 02

In a bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

Step 03

Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and back into the flour to double coat for extra crispiness.

Step 04

Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 175°C. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, without overcrowding the pan, for about 3-4 minutes each, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 05

Remove the fried chicken with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 06

Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauces!

Additional Notes

For even crispier chicken, you can double-dip the pieces by repeating the flour-egg-flour process.
Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.

Tools You'll Need

Deep skillet or fryer
Slotted spoon
Paper towels
Mixing bowls

Allergen Info

Check each ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a health professional if necessary.

Contains eggs
Contains dairy (buttermilk, milk)
Contains gluten (flour)