Homemade Popcorn Chicken Recipe
Are you looking for a fun and tasty way to add some variety to your dinner rotation? Check out this fantastic recipe for homemade popcorn chicken! This dish is easy to make and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. This KFC copycat recipe is so amazing, you'll never want the take out version again! Plus, it's perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and tasty. So why not give it a try tonight?
This homemade popcorn chicken recipe is easy to make and so much better than anything you would get from a restaurant. The chicken is crispy and full of flavor. I hope you enjoy it!
Ahhhh… I love popcorn chicken… Otherwise known as little gold nuggets of pure love and joy! If you've ever wondered how to make these lovely little golden bites at home, I'm going to show you how!
Popcorn chicken has always been a tremendous favorite for kids and adults alike. They're like an irresistible leveled up version of chicken nuggets! They're great for lunch, a snack or to serve as an appetizer. 🙂 This recipe makes such delicious little bites of chicken that you'll swear they're take out – but nope – these are yours baby! All yours! <3
I hope you enjoy this recipe! ❤️ If you give it a try, please let me know how it turned out for you in the comments section at the bottom of the page or share a pic of your om noms on Instagram and tag @dishesanddustbunnies! ❤️
What is Popcorn Chicken and Why You'll Love It
Popcorn chicken is a dish made of bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken coated in a crispy breading and fried to golden perfection. These crunchy little chicken bites are often served as an appetizer or as part of a main meal. Inspired by the fast-food favorite (think KFC, but way better!), this homemade popcorn chicken recipe is easy to make and incredibly delicious. You can bake or fry it, and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun party snack!
The secret to amazing popcorn chicken lies in the preparation. The chicken is first marinated in buttermilk, which tenderizes the meat while helping the breading stick for a perfectly crispy finish. The breading, made from all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a hint of cayenne, creates an irresistible crunch with every bite.
And why is it called popcorn chicken? Not only does it resemble popcorn in size and shape, but its crunchy coating and poppable nature make it a fun and flavorful treat that’s sure to be a hit. Whether you fry it for the ultimate crispiness or bake it for a healthier twist, this homemade version beats anything store-bought and is guaranteed to please!
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
How to make the Best Popcorn Chicken from Scratch – Overview
You can find the full recipe details, including ingredient amounts and the full instructions, at the bottom of this post, but first, here's a quick overview of how to make delicious homemade popcorn chicken bites!
To make the best homemade popcorn chicken, start by soaking bite-sized chicken pieces in a buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness). Prepare a seasoned flour mix with flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture, squeezing gently to ensure full coverage. Chill the coated chicken in the fridge while heating your oil to 375°F.
Fry small batches of chicken for about 7 minutes until golden brown, turning as needed for even cooking. Drain the cooked pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep them crisp. Avoid using paper towels, as they can make the chicken greasy. For the best results, keep finished batches warm in the oven (at 200°F) while frying the rest.
Serve immediately with fries, onion rings, or your favorite dipping sauces. This method ensures perfectly crispy, flavorful popcorn chicken every time!
Best Ways to Cook Popcorn Chicken: Frying, Baking, and Air Frying
The best way to cook popcorn chicken for that perfectly crispy texture is by deep frying. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly, with a crunchy exterior and juicy, tender inside. If you don’t have a deep fryer, a large skillet or Dutch oven filled with hot oil works just as well. Frying in hot oil creates the iconic texture and flavor that makes popcorn chicken so irresistible.
However, if you prefer to use alternative methods, baking or air frying can still produce delicious results:
How to Make Baked Popcorn Chicken Bites:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet and spray it with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken pieces on the rack, spray the tops with cooking spray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
How to Air Fry Popcorn Chicken:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket and spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry for 15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the popcorn chicken in batches.
While these methods are healthier and convenient, deep frying remains the ultimate way to achieve that authentic crispy texture and classic flavor. No matter which method you choose, your popcorn chicken is sure to be delicious!
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
Recipe Variations
For a fun twist on the classic breading, try substituting some of the flour with crushed potato chips, corn flakes, or panko bread crumbs. Crushed potato chips add a salty, crispy crunch, corn flakes give a light, flaky texture, and panko breadcrumbs create an extra-crispy coating. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite! These variations are a great way to customize your popcorn chicken to suit your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Popcorn Chicken
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk in This Recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle. Alternatively, plain yogurt thinned with a little water works well—whole milk yogurt adds the richest flavor, but low-fat or non-fat yogurt can also be used.
What’s the Difference Between Popcorn Chicken and Southern Fried Chicken?
Both dishes are prepared similarly, but the difference lies in the cut of chicken used. Popcorn chicken is made with bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breast, while southern fried chicken typically uses larger, bone-in, skin-on pieces. Both are crispy, flavorful, and delicious!
Can I Make Popcorn Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk the night before and even bread it a few hours ahead. Store breaded pieces in the fridge until ready to cook. Fried popcorn chicken can also be reheated in a 350°F oven to restore its crispiness.
How Do I Keep Popcorn Chicken Crispy?
To keep popcorn chicken crispy, drain fried pieces on a wire rack instead of paper towels. If preparing in batches, place cooked chicken in the oven at 200°F to stay warm and crispy until ready to serve.
What do I serve with popcorn chicken?
When it comes to popcorn chicken, the possibilities for side dishes are endless! One of my favorite ways to enjoy it is with a variety of dipping sauces—honey mustard, plum sauce, or classic BBQ sauce are always winners. For something a little more hearty, pair it with comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or gooey macaroni and cheese. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a fresh salad or roasted vegetables make a great choice.
Looking for even more ideas? You can’t go wrong with crispy fries, baked beans, or green beans. For a fun and refreshing twist, try serving popcorn chicken alongside a sweet and colorful fruit salad or juicy corn on the cob. No matter what you choose, popcorn chicken is so versatile that it’s bound to be a hit with any combination!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Popcorn chicken can be stored in an airtight container or bag in the fridge for up to four days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a 350°F oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
For longer storage, freeze cooked and cooled popcorn chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Portioning it into individual servings makes it easy to grab and reheat. Frozen popcorn chicken stays fresh for 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes for the best texture and crispiness.
Other Recipes You'll enjoy:
If you enjoyed making homemade popcorn chicken, you'll love exploring more options in our Appetizers collection, filled with tasty and shareable bites. For those who enjoy comforting and hearty dishes, our Comfort Food recipes are perfect for bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table. And if you're a fan of flavorful chicken dishes, don’t miss our Chicken Wings selection for more finger-licking favorites.
Homemade Popcorn Chicken
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
- ⅛ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ cup all purpose flour, set aside
- Canola oil, for frying (use enough so the chicken pieces will be swimming!)
Equipment needed:
- Deep Fryer OR Large heavy bottom fry pan with high sides (at least 3 inches)
- Deep fry thermometer, attached to the side of your pan
- Deep fry slotted spoon or wire basket for turning/removing the chicken pieces
- Wire rack placed on top of a large baking sheet lined with paper towel
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, soak the chicken pieces in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. For best results, I like to soak the chicken overnight in the fridge (but it's not absolutely necessary).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of flour with cornstarch, paprika, pepper, salt, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Make sure everything is combined well – I like to use a whisk for this.
- Take the chicken, a couple pieces at a time and drop them into the flour mixture. Make sure that you give each piece a little squeeze to pack the flour mixture onto the chicken. Do this with each piece of chicken until they are coated.
- Place the chicken back into the fridge to chill while heating up your oil for frying.
Cook The Popcorn Chicken – Deep Fry Method
- Before frying, make sure your deep fryer oil (or large pot of oil in the stove) has reached 375°F.
- Take the chicken out of the fridge. You'll notice that a lot of the flour mixture has been absorbed by the buttermilk on the chicken – this is exactly what you want to happen. Take each piece of chicken and dredge them in the reserved flour for a final coat before frying.
- Roll the chicken pieces between the palms of your hands to form them into their “popcorn” shape.
- Drop about 10 – 15 little chicken pieces in the fryer to cook. Try not to overcrowd them so they cook evenly and become nice and crisp.
- Allow the popcorn chicken to cook for about 7 minutes, or until golden. Use a slotted spoon or similar tool to turn them a few times during cooking, if necessary. The pieces will be golden when ready.
- Once the popcorn chicken has finished cooking remove them from the oil using a mesh basket or strainer and lay them onto the wire rack over a baking sheet to drain. This is important to maintain the crispness of the popcorn chicken.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT lay the popcorn chicken on paper towel as this will make them greasy and lose their crispness. While frying the remaining chicken, you can keep the finished pieces in the oven to warm (at 200°F) while on the wire rack. - Continue frying batches of chicken until all have been cooked and set on the rack to drain.
To Serve
Serve immediately along with fries, onion rings or any of your other favorite foods!
Alternate Cooking Instructions
How to Bake Popcorn Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet and spray it with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken pieces on the rack, spray the tops with cooking spray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
How to Air Fry Popcorn Chicken:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket and spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry for 15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the popcorn chicken in batches.
Notes
To prevent the popcorn chicken from sticking to the bottom of the fry basket while cooking:
When frying, sometimes your fish will sink to the basket's bottom and adhere to it!
Tip #1: When dropping your popcorn chicken into the deep fryer, hold it in the oil with your fingertips for a couple of seconds to fry them lightly, then allow them to fall in. This will allow the batter a chance to fry for a little before sinking down and becoming trapped on the basket's bottom.
Tip #2: Make sure the fry basket is fully immersed in oil before adding the popcorn chicken to the oil. If you put a piece of freshly battered popcorn chicken in the fry basket and then submerge it, they'll stick to it.
- Prep Time: 35 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Food Kids will Love
- Method: Frying, Bake, Air Fry
- Cuisine: American/Canadian
I need to have these. I’m sitting here drooling as I read the recipe. I absolutely love any kind of fried chicken, especially the buttermilk kind 🙂 I like to add a little cajun seasoning to mine.
Pinning this recipe for later this week. Love