Description

Crispy and delicious popcorn chicken is a delightful snack that will elevate any gathering or casual lunch. These bite-sized pieces of tender chicken are seasoned to perfection, coated in panko breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch, and deep-fried until golden brown. Perfect for sharing, this versatile dish can be served as an appetizer, paired with your favorite dipping sauces, or enjoyed over a fresh salad. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Easy to prepare and customizable, you can adjust the spices to create the perfect flavor profile for your taste buds. Dive into a plate of these crunchy morsels and enjoy every satisfying bite!

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
2 cups buttermilk
2 dashes hot sauce
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
¾ teaspoon onion powder
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

Dice the chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces (¾ inch x ¾ inch).
In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven until it reaches 350°F using a candy thermometer.
Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, dip in the buttermilk mixture, then roll in panko breadcrumbs.
Fry the coated chicken pieces in small batches until golden brown (about 2 to 3 minutes), ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Drain excess oil on paper towels.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers & Snacks
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 pieces (120g)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 80mg