Popcorn Chicken Bite Crust (Printable)

Golden, juicy chicken bites with a flavorful crispy coating ideal for sharing or snacking.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into ¾-inch pieces

→ Marinade

02 - ½ cup buttermilk
03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1 tsp onion powder
05 - ½ tsp paprika
06 - ½ tsp salt
07 - ¼ tsp ground black pepper

→ Breading

08 - 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
09 - ½ cup cornstarch
10 - 1 tsp baking powder
11 - 1 tsp paprika
12 - 1 tsp salt
13 - ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Frying

15 - Vegetable oil for deep frying

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine chicken pieces with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 4 hours.
02 - Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, and freshly ground black pepper in a large bowl.
03 - Preheat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Toss pieces in the breading mixture until fully coated. For added crispiness, dip coated chicken back into buttermilk and then re-coat in the breading.
05 - Fry chicken in batches without overcrowding for 3 to 4 minutes per batch until golden brown and cooked through.
06 - Remove fried chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The double-dredge technique creates that shatteringly crunchy exterior that makes restaurant popcorn chicken so addictive
  • These reheat surprisingly well in the oven, meaning you can make a big batch for spontaneous gatherings or late-night cravings
02 -
  • Crowding the pot drops oil temperature dramatically, resulting in soggy, greasy chicken instead of crispy perfection
  • The double-coating method takes extra time but makes the difference between okay popcorn chicken and the kind people cant stop eating
03 -
  • Cut chicken into slightly larger pieces before marinating since they shrink during cooking
  • Letting the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying helps the breading adhere better
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