This crispy and crunchy popcorn chicken is packed with flavor and texture – just like your favorite fast food version, but even better because it’s homemade!
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
⏳ Cook Time: 10 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
🔥 Calories per Serving: ~400
🛒 Ingredients
- 🍗 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into small bite-sized pieces)
- 🥛 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
- 🍞 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 🌽 ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 🥚 2 eggs
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
- 🧂 ½ tsp black pepper
- 🌶 ½ tsp paprika
- 🌿 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 🌿 ½ tsp onion powder
- 🌡 ½ tsp baking powder (optional for light crispiness)
- 🛢 Vegetable oil for frying
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces and buttermilk.
- Let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour in the fridge (optional but recommended).
2️⃣ Prepare the Coating
- In one bowl, whisk eggs.
- In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder.
3️⃣ Coat the Chicken
- Remove chicken from buttermilk.
- Dip each piece in flour mixture, then egg, then back in flour mixture for an extra crispy coating.
4️⃣ Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan.
- Fry chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot with your favorite dips – honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ketchup! 🍯🔥
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Crispy, crunchy, and juicy!
✔️ Easy to make at home – better than takeout!
✔️ Kid-friendly and perfect for snacking or parties!
🔥 Pro Tip: For extra crunch, toss fried chicken in melted butter and garlic powder before serving! 😍🍗