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Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn Chicken

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Delight in the crispy goodness of homemade popcorn chicken, a perfect finger food for parties or casual lunches. These bite-sized pieces of tender chicken are coated in a flavorful blend of spices and panko breadcrumbs, ensuring each morsel is packed with crunch and taste. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, you can serve them with a variety of delicious dipping sauces or incorporate them into salads and sliders for a fun twist. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply craving a tasty snack, this popcorn chicken recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces (about ¾ inch).
  2. In a bowl, mix together the buttermilk and hot sauce.
  3. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
  4. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven until it reaches about 350°F.
  6. Dip each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then in the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
  7. Fry small batches of breaded chicken pieces for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  8. Drain on paper towels before serving.

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