I’m so happy to share this popcorn chicken recipe with you because it is crispy, golden, and so fun to eat. These little chicken bites are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They are perfect for kids, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. You can serve them with simple sides or enjoy them as a snack any day of the week.
Level: Easy
Total Time: about 35 minutes
Prep Time: about 20 minutes
Cook Time: about 15 minutes
Yield: about 6 servings
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I made popcorn chicken at home. The smell of frying chicken filled my kitchen, and everyone kept sneaking pieces before dinner was even ready.
This recipe is simple and uses everyday ingredients. Small pieces of chicken are coated in a lightly seasoned flour mix, dipped in egg, and fried until crispy and golden. It is a classic comfort food that feels fun but is still very easy to make.
Popcorn chicken is great for busy nights, game days, or when you want something familiar and tasty. You can pair it with vegetables, mashed potatoes, or your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Make Popcorn Chicken
This dish is all about crispy coating and tender chicken inside. Here’s how it all comes together:
• Chicken cut into small, bite-sized pieces
• A simple flour mix with garlic, salt, and pepper
• Eggs mixed with lemon juice for light flavor
• Hot oil for frying until golden
• Draining on paper towels to stay crispy
It is a straightforward recipe with big crunch and very comforting results.
Ingredients
• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• About 2 cups cooking oil, or as needed for frying
Directions
- Mix the Dry Coating:
- Add the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to a bowl.
- Stir until everything looks evenly mixed.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- Crack the eggs into a separate bowl.
- Add the lemon juice and beat until smooth.
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour oil into a deep pot until it is about 2 inches deep.
- Heat over medium heat until hot and ready for frying.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Roll each chicken piece in the flour mixture and shake off extra flour.
- Dip it into the egg mixture, letting extra egg drip off.
- Press it into the flour mixture again to coat well.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot oil in small batches.
- Fry for about 7 to 8 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and Repeat:
- Remove the chicken and place it on paper towels to drain.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
Process Details
• Even Chicken Size: Cutting the chicken into similar sizes helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Double Coating: Dipping in flour, egg, then flour again gives the chicken a thicker, crunchier crust.
• Oil Temperature: Hot oil helps the coating crisp up instead of soaking in oil.
• Batch Frying: Frying in small batches keeps the oil hot and the chicken crispy.
Tips for Success
• Test the oil by dropping in a pinch of flour, if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
• Do not overcrowd the pot, crowded oil lowers the heat and makes soggy chicken.
• Season the chicken lightly with salt after frying if needed.
• Use paper towels to soak up extra oil right after frying.
• Serve the chicken fresh for the best crunch.
Serving Ideas
• Classic Plate: Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.
• Kid Friendly Meal: Pair with ketchup or honey mustard for dipping.
• Party Snack: Serve on a platter with toothpicks and sauces.
• Light Option: Add a simple salad on the side.
• Comfort Combo: Enjoy with fries or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Let the chicken cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven to help bring back some crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in a sealed bag for up to 1 month.
• Reheat from Frozen: Bake in the oven until hot, flipping once for even heating.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~450
• Protein: ~21g
• Carbohydrates: ~49g
• Fat: ~18g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sodium: ~250mg
• Sugar: ~1g
This popcorn chicken recipe is crispy, simple, and always a crowd favorite. The crunchy coating and tender chicken make it comforting and fun to eat, whether it is dinner or snack time.
I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. Once you try it at home, it will likely become a regular on your table.
