Crispy homemade popcorn chicken that's juicy inside and golden on the outside! Make it fried, baked, or in the air fryer-perfect for dipping and better than takeout.
There's just something special about bite-sized, crispy popcorn chicken-golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and absolutely irresistible with your favorite dipping sauce. Instead of driving through and grabbing takeout, you can whip up this homemade version right in your own kitchen. This recipe is simple, family-friendly, great as a snack, but is filling enough to make into a meal as well. Plus, I'll show you how to make it fried, baked, or in the air fryer, so you can pick the method that works best for you.
Video Tutorial
Ingredients needed to make the recipe:
- Chicken breast: 2 ½ pounds, diced into cubes
- Eggs: Two large eggs for coating the chicken before battering it.
- Flour and Cornstarch For the chicken coating. The combination of the two creates a crunchy coating.
- Salt This is the only seasoning you will need.
- Oil for frying - Vegetable oil or peanut oil
- Chicken breast or thighs - cut into small bite-sized pieces
Pro tip: Cutting the chicken into even-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, juicy perfection - Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Three cooking methods - fry it, bake it, or air fry it depending on your mood.
- Better than takeout - hot, fresh, and seasoned (with simple ingredients) just right without leaving your kitchen.
- Family-friendly - bite-sized pieces make it fun for kids and perfect for dipping.
How to Make Popcorn Chicken
1. Prep the Chicken
- Cut chicken into small bite-sized pieces.
- Coat with the whisked egg mixture.
2. Make the Breading
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, and seasonings.
- Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off the excess.
3. Choose Your Cooking Method
Fried (classic):
- Heat oil to 350°F.
- Fry chicken in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Place on a wire rack or paper towel to drain.
Baked:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Place breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Lightly spray with cooking oil.
- Bake 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Spray basket lightly with oil.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer.
- Cook 12-14 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Popcorn Chicken recipe
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1 c cornstarch
- 1 c flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ quart vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat oil in a medium-sized pot.
- Cut the chicken into one-inch pieces and place them in a bowl.
- Whisk the eggs and pour them over the chicken. Coat the chicken with the egg mixture.
- In a bowl add the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Dip the battered chicken into the flour mixture a few pieces at a time and fully coat the chicken.
- Remove the chicken from the flour mixture and place it on a plate, spacing the chicken apart.
- Fry the chicken for approximately 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Cook the chicken in two to three batches.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and transfer it to a paper towel-covered dish.
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until crisp again. Avoid microwaving-it makes the coating soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Of course! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work perfectly in this recipe.
What oil is best for frying popcorn chicken?
A neutral, high-heat oil like vegetable or canola oil is ideal. Peanut oil may also be used.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Fry until golden brown. Use a thermometer-chicken should reach 165°F internally.
What should I serve with the chicken?
Fried okra, fries or tator tots are great options.
More Recipes You'll Love
Try my Cheeseburger Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls or Ham and Cheese Sliders for a delicious appetizer recipe.
Are you potato lover? Try my Loaded Baked Potato Wedges recipe.
Try my Chicken Fajita Quesadilla recipe for another quick appetizer/game day recipe.
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