Description
Deliciously crispy and tender, this Homemade Popcorn Chicken is perfect for a cozy family meal or game day snack. Coated in flavorful panko breadcrumbs, these bite-sized pieces are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 lbs 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: Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Prepare the Dredging Stations: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and garlic powder. Set up two more shallow bowls: one with buttermilk and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, dip it in the buttermilk (allowing the excess to drip off), and then coat it in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
- Heat the Oil: Fill a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with 2-3 inches of oil and heat to 350°F.
- Fry the Chicken: Working in batches, fry the breaded chicken for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and season with extra salt if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, or sweet chili sauce.
Notes
- Cooking Tip: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature for optimal crispiness. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Dipping Sauce: Try mixing your sauces for a unique flavor twist!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg