Popcorn Chicken Recipe

User Reviews

4.7

62 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    297 kcal

  • Course

    Appetizer

  • Cuisine

    American

Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Popcorn Chicken is made by coating bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breast in a seasoned flour and egg dredge, then frying them until crisp and golden. The breading includes onion powder, paprika, celery salt, and white pepper, providing a mild, savory flavor. Allowing the breaded chicken to rest before frying helps the coating adhere, resulting in a crunchy texture. It's cooked in about half an inch of hot canola oil in batches to avoid sogginess and served hot for best texture and taste.

Description

The Popcorn Chicken Recipe features small pieces of chicken breast coated twice in a seasoned flour mixture and egg, ensuring a crunchy exterior once fried. The flour mix includes spices such as onion powder, paprika, celery salt, and white pepper, which add depth without overwhelming the chicken's flavor. A resting period after breading lets the coating firm up to minimize flaking during frying. Cooking is done in medium-high heat oil, around 350°F, in shallow oil sufficient to crisp without submerging the chicken. Frequent turning during the 5-6 minute cook time ensures even browning. The final product is small, crisp chicken bites ideal for serving with dipping sauces and enjoying fresh.

This recipe is best served immediately after frying to maintain crispiness. Using a low-sided pan helps prevent steaming and sogginess. Avoid crowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady for consistent frying.

Use a low-sided pan or cast iron skillet for frying to maintain crispiness by avoiding steaming.Avoid crowding the pan to keep oil temperature steady and the coating crunchy.Maintain about 1/2 inch of oil depth; the chicken pieces do not need to be fully submerged.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 chicken breast boneless, skinless and cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 egg lightly beaten
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoon paprika sweet
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • canola oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Place the lightly beaten egg into a bowl, pie plate or dredging bowl.
  2. In another shallow dish or dredging bowl, combine the flour, onion powder, paprika, salt and white pepper.
  3. Toss the chicken in flour mixture, then egg and flour again.
  4. Place the chicken on a baking sheet or plate. Continue to repeat for all chicken.
  5. Allow the breaded chicken to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This allows the breading to harden and stick, preventing it from flaking off during cooking.
  6. Heat the oil in a large, shallow frying pan or cast iron skillet. Oil should be on medium-high heat and reach 350°F.
  7. Working small batches, fry the chicken. Small pieces should only take 5-6 minutes, being turned every 2 minutes. Cook until lightly browned and remove to a paper towel lined plate or wire cooling rack.
  8. Serve hot with choice of sauces.
  9. If you've tried this recipe, make sure to come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings!

Notes

  • Use a low-sided frying pan or cast iron skillet to ensure the chicken crisps instead of steaming.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
  • About 1/2 inch of oil is sufficient for frying; the chicken pieces do not need to be fully submerged.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 297kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 33g (11%) Protein 22g (44%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 102mg (34%) Sodium 497mg (21%) Potassium 370mg (8%) Fiber 1g (4%) Vitamin A 430IU (9%) Vitamin C 1.2mg (1%) Calcium 23mg (2%) Iron 2.7mg (15%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 297 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 297kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 33g 11%
Protein 22g 44%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 102mg 34%
Sodium 497mg 21%
Potassium 370mg 8%
Fiber 1g 4%
Vitamin A 430IU 9%
Vitamin C 1.2mg 1%
Calcium 23mg 2%
Iron 2.7mg 15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.7

62 reviews
Excellent

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