Who needs takeout when your own kitchen turns out crispy, golden Popcorn Chicken like this?
My daughter has always loved popcorn chicken and chicken tenders. When it was just the two of us, after my son left for college, I would buy them for her at our local grocery store’s deli counter. They made the best!
Then, one day, something sad happened. I noticed they started selling fried shrimp at the deli counter. That raised red flags, as my daughter is allergic to shellfish. I asked the manager if they used the same fryer as the chicken, and he said yes. WHAT? After all these years of safety? Where was the sign letting people know about this horrible corporate change?
Well, that meant only one thing. It was time to start making her popcorn chicken and chicken tenders at home again. You might think I could get them for her from the various fast-food restaurants in town, but I learned years ago to be wary of that after one inadvertently gave her shrimp in a wrap instead of chicken. Luckily, she realized it before swallowing, but it was still a scare.
So, every now and then, I would make this dish for her at home. Since I’m gluten-free, I still made mine that way, and she’d eat it with me most of the time. By the way, making simple swaps using similar gluten-free products is so easy. Use your favorite all-purpose GF flour and GF panko crumbs. Follow the same directions, and you will have a dish the whole family can enjoy!
What makes popcorn chicken so crispy?
Have you ever had trouble getting your coating to stick to the chicken when frying it? We’ve all probably been there at least once. The secret is the buttermilk soak that helps your breading stick while frying. Then, you get the extra crispiness by dipping the chicken in the seasoned flour for one layer of crunch, followed by the beaten egg and those super-crunchy panko breadcrumbs. The result is perfectly fried chicken that can’t be beat!
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooked, let the popcorn chicken cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not stack the pieces on top of each other. Otherwise, they may become soggy. Instead, place sheets of parchment paper between the layers.
You can freeze chilled popcorn chicken for up to 2 months by placing the pieces on a baking sheet in the freezer until they are frozen and then storing them in a zipper freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Reheat straight from frozen in a 350°F oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes. For refrigerated leftovers, reduce the cooking time to 5–7 minutes.
Serving suggestions
Nothing pairs better with popcorn chicken than French fries, so a few of the recipes I recommend trying are Baked French Fries, Zucchini Fries, Steak Fries, and Air-Fryer Carrot Fries. Serve some refreshing Greek Yogurt Coleslaw, Air-Fryer Fried Pickles, and Macaroni Salad on the side. Simplify your life and add some No-Bake Cookies for dessert, and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup low-fat buttermilk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Pour in the low-fat buttermilk and add salt and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In another dish, whisk the egg. Put the panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.
- Coat each marinated chicken piece in the flour mixture, then the beaten egg, and finally cover it evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat canola oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry the chicken pieces in small batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, ensuring the temperature stays between 350°F to 375°F. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on paper towels to drain.
- Serve the warm popcorn chicken with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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