Description
Crispy Popcorn Chicken is the perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a crispy, flavorful breading. Whether you serve it as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
-
For the Marinade:
-
¾ cup sour cream
-
¼ cup milk
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 ¼ lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 3 small chicken breasts)
-
-
For Frying:
-
1.5 quarts vegetable oil (6 cups)
-
-
For the Breading:
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
-
1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
-
1 teaspoon black pepper
-
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
-
¾ teaspoon onion powder
-
½ teaspoon paprika
-
1 pinch cayenne pepper
-
Instructions
-
Marinate Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix sour cream, milk, and salt. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
-
Prepare Breading: In a shallow dish, combine flour, panko, seasoned salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne.
-
Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade. Dredge each piece in the breading mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly.
-
Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
-
Fry Chicken: Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Do not overcrowd.
-
Drain & Serve: Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
-
For a healthier version, you can bake the popcorn chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
-
Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying for the crispiest texture.
-
You can adjust the spices in the breading to suit your taste preference, adding more or less cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg