Homemade Popcorn Chicken
A delightful bite-sized treat of crispy chicken pieces coated in a savory crust, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour For the coating.
- 1 tsp salt For seasoning.
- 1 tsp garlic powder Adds flavor to the coating.
- 1 cup buttermilk To help the coating stick; marinate for extra flavor.
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs For a crispy texture.
- Vegetable or canola oil For frying.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and garlic powder.
- Prepare a dipping station with buttermilk in one shallow bowl and panko breadcrumbs in another.
Coating
- Dredge chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, dip into the buttermilk, then coat in panko breadcrumbs, pressing to ensure adherence.
Frying
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven until it reaches 350°F (177°C).
- Carefully place breaded chicken in the hot oil and fry in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and season with extra salt if desired.
Serving
- Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces.
Notes
Consider marinating chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes for added flavor. Fry in small batches for best results.