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Popcorn chicken in bowl with one piece bitten.
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Popcorn Chicken

5 from 41 votes
Skip the deep fryer and try our healthier version of popcorn chicken. Our easy recipe delivers tender, juicy bites with a satisfying crunch.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings (Adjustable): 2
Calories: 316kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4-6 thighs) cubed
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon dried chives
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Cooking oil spray

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 475ºF. Spray cooking oil in a baking sheet.
  • In a small bowl, mix together flour, garlic powder, oregano, paprika and salt.
  • In another small bowl, pour buttermilk.
  • In a third small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, chives and black pepper. Mix.
  • Arrange the three bowls closeby. Take the chicken pieces and dip it first in the flour mixture, ensuring all sides are coated. Next, dip the chicken piece in the buttermilk.
  • Lastly, dip the chicken pieces in the panko crumbs mixture. Repeat until all pieces are coated
  • Place the coated chicken pieces in the baking sheet and spray cooking oil over the chicken popcorn.
  • Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Serve the chicken popcorn warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

If you prefer a double coating, dip the chicken pieces in buttermilk again, followed by panko crumbs. You will need extra milk and panko crumbs for this, so duplicate the ingredients in this recipe.
Marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight. The acidity in buttermilk helps break down proteins in the chicken while imparting a tangy flavor.
Add a spicy twist. Mix in some cayenne pepper or chili powder with the coating mixture.
Experiment with different seasonings and herbs. For example, you can add Italian seasoning or fresh parsley to the breadcrumb mixture to enhance flavor.
Make it gluten-free. Substitute regular flour with almond or chickpea flour for a gluten-free coating that adds nutty flavors to the dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 316kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 977mg | Potassium: 654mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2046IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 3mg

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