Homemade Popcorn Chicken
These homemade Popcorn Chicken bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with crunchy panko breadcrumbs. They're quick to make and perfect as an appetizer, snack, or family-friendly meal.
Equipment
- heavy pot or Dutch oven
- three shallow bowls
- tongs
- paper towels
- cooking thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Whisk together the flour, salt, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. Place the buttermilk in a second bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, dip into the buttermilk, then coat completely with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable or canola oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C), with the oil 2–3 inches deep.
- Fry the chicken in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Season lightly with salt if desired and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
Serve immediately for maximum crispiness. For a lighter version, air-fry or bake instead of deep frying. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to restore their crunchy coating.