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Crispy popcorn chicken bites served on a plate with dipping sauce.

Crispy Popcorn Chicken

A quick and irresistible snack of bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoned and fried to golden perfection, perfect for a casual dinner or a party tray.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs Thighs stay juicier, breast is leaner.
Soaking Ingredients
  • 1 cup Buttermilk Can substitute with milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt For soaking.
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper For soaking.
Coating Mix
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour Base for the coating.
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch Secret for extra crunch.
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika Adjust according to preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Adjust according to preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Additional seasoning.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper Additional seasoning.
  • 1 large Egg Helps the coating stick; can use more buttermilk instead.
For Frying
  • 2 cups Neutral oil (canola or vegetable) For frying.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the chicken into small bite-sized chunks, about 1 inch, and toss in a bowl with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes if possible, or at least 10 minutes.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Coating and Frying
  1. Lift chicken pieces out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dip into the flour mix and press to coat thoroughly. For extra crunch, double dip in buttermilk and flour.
  2. Heat oil in a deep pan until hot enough that a pinch of flour sizzles. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towel-lined plate.
  3. Keep the cooked pieces in a warm oven on a baking sheet if making a large batch to maintain crunch.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge in a container that isn't completely airtight. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.