Description
This homemade popcorn chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make and perfect for snacking or meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp salt
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
- Set up three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Mix flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Bowl 2: Whisk buttermilk and egg together.
- Bowl 3: Add panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt.
- Dredge chicken in flour mixture, dip in buttermilk, then coat in panko breadcrumbs.
- Let breaded chicken rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain on a wire rack and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- To air-fry: Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- For extra crunch, double coat the chicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American