This homemade popcorn chicken recipe is a perfect alternative to fast food, offering crispy, juicy chicken bites that are better than the ones you get at KFC! It’s quick and easy to make, and you can even choose between frying, air frying, or oven baking to suit your preference.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 small chicken breasts (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
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3/4 cup buttermilk
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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3/4 cup cornflour
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1 tablespoon smoked paprika
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1 tablespoon dried oregano
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1 tablespoon mustard powder
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3 tablespoons oil (for deep frying, or as needed)
Directions:
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Assemble: In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken breast, buttermilk, and salt. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes.
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Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornflour, smoked paprika, oregano, and mustard powder.
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Dredge: Drain the chicken from the buttermilk, then dip each piece into the flour mixture until completely coated.
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Fry: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel and season with more salt to taste.
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Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade popcorn chicken!
Why I Love This Recipe
One of the best things about this popcorn chicken recipe is how simple and versatile it is. Unlike the fast food variety, you don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything can be made with items you likely already have in your pantry. The result? A batch of golden, crispy chicken pieces that are juicy on the inside and satisfyingly crunchy on the outside.
It’s also a great way to bring a little homemade magic into your meals, and it’s even better than what you’d get at your local fast food chain. The flavor and texture of these popcorn chicken bites make them addictive, and once you try them, you might never go back to fast food again.
Another reason this recipe stands out is that it works for multiple occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or preparing snacks for a game day, these crispy chicken pieces are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re easy to serve as finger food, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
Key Ingredients
The key to achieving the perfect popcorn chicken lies in the ingredients. Unlike many fried recipes that call for complicated preparations, popcorn chicken uses basic pantry staples to create a satisfying dish.
Chicken breasts are the primary protein used in this recipe. They’re easy to work with and, when sliced into bite-sized pieces, cook quickly and evenly. While some people might opt for chicken thighs for more flavor, chicken breasts yield a crispier exterior, which is ideal for this recipe.
Buttermilk is another essential ingredient. Not only does it tenderize the chicken, but it also imparts a mild tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices in the flour coating. The acidity of buttermilk ensures that the chicken remains moist, even after frying.
For the crispy coating, cornflour (cornstarch) is the star. Unlike regular all-purpose flour, cornflour creates a lighter, crispier texture. This is the secret behind the satisfying crunch that makes popcorn chicken so irresistible. Smoked paprika, oregano, mustard powder, and salt are added to the cornflour for flavor. These seasonings contribute to a savory, herby, and mildly smoky taste that elevates the dish to new heights.
While oil is used for frying, you can also choose oils with high smoke points, like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. These oils help to achieve that golden, crispy finish while keeping the chicken tender on the inside.
How to Make Popcorn Chicken
Making popcorn chicken at home is surprisingly easy and quick. The first step is to marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk and salt. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Once marinated, the chicken pieces are dredged in a seasoned flour mixture. The key to a crisp coating is ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated with the flour mixture.
Once the chicken is coated, it’s time to fry. The oil should be at the right temperature, typically between 350ºF to 375ºF. If the oil is too hot, the outside may burn before the chicken is fully cooked. If it’s too cool, the chicken will become greasy rather than crispy. Once fried, the chicken should be drained on paper towels to remove excess oil, and you can season it with a little more salt for that perfect balance of flavors.
Arman’s Recipe Tips
To get the best results with this popcorn chicken recipe, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, try to cut the chicken into uniform pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and that each piece has the same delicious, crispy texture.
If you can’t find cornflour, you can use a 1:1 mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch as a substitute. However, it’s important not to use breadcrumbs or panko in place of the cornflour as they won’t provide the desired crispy texture.
One of the most important tips for success is to monitor the oil temperature while frying. Maintaining the right temperature is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the coating may burn before the chicken is cooked through. Conversely, if the oil is too cool, the chicken will soak up excess oil and become greasy rather than crispy.
Lastly, don’t oversalt the chicken before frying. It’s better to season after cooking to ensure the coating doesn’t become too salty. You can always add more salt afterward if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts if you prefer. However, the coating tends to be crispier when using leaner cuts of chicken like breasts or tenderloins. Thighs may offer a juicier result, but the texture won’t be quite as crunchy.
Can I prep this in advance?
Absolutely! If you want to prepare your popcorn chicken in advance, you can bread the chicken pieces and freeze them for up to two months. When you’re ready to cook, simply drop the frozen breaded chicken directly into the hot oil for frying. This method makes it easy to have freshly fried popcorn chicken whenever you want!
Can I make this without frying?
Yes, there are alternative cooking methods you can use. If you prefer to avoid deep frying, the chicken can also be cooked in an air fryer or baked in the oven. Both methods are healthier alternatives that still achieve a crispy finish, though the texture may vary slightly.
More Fun Chicken Appetizers
If you’re looking for other chicken recipes to complement your popcorn chicken, consider trying chicken cutlets, boneless chicken wings, or chicken lollipops. These chicken appetizers are perfect for parties, gatherings, or even a quick and delicious dinner.
Conclusion
Popcorn chicken is a fantastic homemade snack that’s easy to make and completely customizable to your tastes. Whether you’re making it for a party, a casual dinner, or just for fun, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. With the option to fry, air fry, or bake the chicken, you can enjoy crispy, juicy chicken without the excess grease. Best of all, it’s simple, flavorful, and beats anything you can get from a fast food drive-thru.
Now that you know how to make this irresistible snack, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings or spice levels. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, this popcorn chicken recipe can easily be tailored to suit your preferences. Enjoy your homemade popcorn chicken and get ready to indulge in crispy, tender, and totally delicious bites!