Homemade Crispy Popcorn Chicken Recipe: Bite-Sized Joy

Crispy popcorn chicken reimagines ordinary meals into delightful culinary adventures with its irresistible golden-brown exterior and tender interior.

Small, bite-sized pieces of poultry create the perfect handheld snack that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

These miniature morsels burst with flavor, promising a satisfying crunch in every single bite.

The magical combination of seasoned breading and juicy meat guarantees a crowd-pleasing dish that disappears faster than you can prepare it.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

crispy coating techniques ensure maximum texture and minimal greasiness, elevating this classic comfort food to new heights.

Prepare to wow your family and friends with a mouthwatering treat that brings excitement to any dining table.

Crispy Chicken That Pops with Every Bite

• Unleash Crispy Perfection: These bite-sized chicken pieces deliver an incredible crunch that shatters with each delightful bite, creating a textural explosion in your mouth.
• Master Quick Comfort Food: Anyone can whip up this restaurant-style chicken at home with simple techniques like marinating and precise frying, making gourmet cooking accessible for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Flavor-Packed Versatility: Perfectly seasoned chicken works wonderfully as a standalone snack, game day appetizer, or party finger food that everyone from kids to adults will devour with excitement.
• Smart Prep Strategy: The overnight marinating option and strategic cooling rack method ensure maximum crispiness and minimal greasiness, transforming ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience.

What You’ll Need for These Snackable Pieces

• Chicken: Tender white meat perfect for creating crispy bite-sized pieces, preferably boneless and skinless for even cooking.

• Sour Cream, Milk, Salt: Creamy mixture that tenderizes chicken and adds subtle tanginess, helping breading stick better.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Paprika: Seasoned dry mixture that creates a crunchy, flavorful coating with multiple layers of spice and texture.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil with high smoke point ideal for deep frying, ensuring golden and crisp exterior.

How to Fry or Bake Without Drying Out

Step 1: Prepare Cooling Setup

Arrange cooling racks over a baking sheet to catch excess oil and maintain chicken crunchiness.

Grab a sturdy meat mallet and gently pound chicken to create textured surface for better coating.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken Pieces

Grab chicken and pat completely dry.

Slice chicken into bite-sized chunks.

• Sour cream
• Milk
• Salt

Let chicken soak for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate up to 12 hours.

Step 3: Create Crispy Coating

Select a wide container for breading mixture.

Mix breading ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Coat Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.

Slide chicken pieces through breading mixture.

Ensure complete and even coverage.

Set coated pieces aside.

Recoat any spots that look damp.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil to 350-375°F in a deep pot.

Check oil temperature with cooking thermometer.

Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil.

Fry in small batches for 4-5 minutes.

Look for beautiful golden-brown color.

Use spider strainer to transfer chicken to cooling racks.

Tips for Crisp Coating That Lasts

• Massage Marinade: Gently work the sour cream mixture into the chicken to help tenderize and infuse maximum flavor.
• Control Temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil heat, preventing soggy or burnt chicken.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry chicken in small batches to keep the oil temperature stable and ensure each piece gets perfectly crispy.
• Drain Excess Oil: Let fried chicken rest on wire cooling racks instead of paper towels to maintain crunchiness and prevent sogginess.
• Seasoning Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the breading mix for an extra flavor kick that elevates the entire dish.

Storing Popcorn Chicken the Smart Way

• Store Method: Transfer cooled crispy popcorn chicken to an airtight container with paper towels between layers to absorb moisture. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the chicken's crunchiness intact.
• Reheat Method: Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange chicken pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet, ensuring they're not touching. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to restore original crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the coating soggy.
• Freeze Method: Place completely cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven for best texture.

What to Dip or Pair with These Bites

• Crunch and Sip Combo: Pair the crispy popcorn chicken with a refreshing homemade lemonade or an ice-cold craft beer to balance the rich, golden-brown texture.
• Dip and Delight: Serve with zesty ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or tangy honey mustard for an explosive flavor experience that complements the chicken's crispy exterior.
• Sidekick Satisfaction: Match the popcorn chicken with creamy coleslaw, crisp waffle fries, or a light mixed green salad to add freshness and contrast to the deep-fried goodness.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform this recipe into a weekend brunch star by pairing with fluffy scrambled eggs, buttermilk biscuits, or as a topping for waffles with a drizzle of hot sauce.

Spice Ideas to Shake Things Up

• Spicy Ranch Popcorn Chicken: Add cayenne pepper and ranch seasoning mix to the breading for a kick of heat and tangy flavor. Serve with cool ranch dipping sauce to balance the spiciness.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bites: Incorporate dried oregano, basil, and za'atar into the breading. Pair with tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired twist on the classic recipe.
• Parmesan Garlic Crunch: Mix grated parmesan cheese and garlic powder into the breading mixture. Sprinkle additional parmesan over the hot chicken right after frying for extra cheesy goodness.
• Asian-Inspired Popcorn Chicken: Blend panko breadcrumbs with sesame seeds and Chinese five-spice powder. Serve with sweet chili sauce or soy-ginger dipping sauce for an international flavor profile.

Crispy Popcorn Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy popcorn chicken delivers a delightful crunch with golden-brown, perfectly seasoned nuggets that dance between Southern comfort and playful snacking. Homemade goodness meets irresistible flavor, promising to make you the star of any gathering or casual meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.25 pounds (1 ¼ lb.) boneless skinless chicken breast, about 3 small chicken breasts

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt

Breading and Seasoning:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1.5 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 pinch cayenne
• 1.5 quarts (6 cups) vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare cooling racks positioned over a baking sheet to allow excess oil drainage and maintain chicken crispiness during the frying process.
2. Use a meat mallet to gently tenderize the chicken, creating a textured surface that enhances breading adherence.
3. Thoroughly pat the chicken pieces dry and slice into uniform bite-sized morsels measuring approximately 1 to 1.5 inches.
4. Create a marinade by combining sour cream, whole milk, and kosher salt in a spacious mixing bowl.
5. Immerse chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring every morsel is coated. Allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 12 hours, returning to room temperature before cooking.
6. Prepare breading mixture in a wide, shallow container, ensuring even coating potential.
7. Carefully remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off by gently sliding pieces along container’s edge.
8. Meticulously coat each chicken piece in breading, pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage. Re-coat any pieces appearing moisture-laden.
9. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit (175-190 degrees Celsius), verifying temperature with a cooking thermometer.
10. Cautiously lower chicken pieces into hot oil, working in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
11. Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration.
12. Extract chicken using a spider strainer, transferring directly onto prepared cooling racks to drain excess oil.
13. Allow chicken to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving, which helps maintain optimal crispiness.

Notes

• Choose bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tender texture.
• Marinate chicken in tangy sour cream mixture to guarantee juicy, moist meat with incredible depth.
• Maintain precise oil temperature between 350-375°F for perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken without burning.
• Allow chicken to rest on cooling racks after frying to preserve crunchiness and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Thoroughly coat each chicken piece in seasoned breading, pressing gently to ensure maximum coverage and crisp exterior.
• Serve immediately for peak crunchiness, pairing with ranch, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg