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overhead view of popcorn chicken on a serving platter with mayo and ketchup.
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Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Popcorn chicken is a great finger food to serve on game day or at parties. I could honestly eat it by the handful-- and I often do!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Prep Time1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 35 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven
  • Deep Frying Thermometer

Ingredients

  • pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt such as Lawry's
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  • Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces.
    1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • Pour the buttermilk into a large bowl. Add in the chicken, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
    2 cups buttermilk
  • Combine the flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a shallow dish.
    1¼ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon ground paprika, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Working in batches, remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk and let the excess liquid drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture until fully coated.
  • Heat the oil to 350°F in a large pot.
    Vegetable oil
  • Working in batches again, drop the chicken pieces into the oil and fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
  • Transfer the chicken to a plate or baking pan lined with paper towels to drain.
    fried popcorn chicken pieces on a wire rack set in a baking sheet.
  • Serve with your favorite chicken dipping sauces.

Notes

Storage: Store popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 397kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 605mg | Potassium: 569mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 331IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 2mg