Crispy Popcorn Chicken Bites Recipe
Crispy Popcorn Chicken Bites are tender chicken breast cubes coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, dipped in buttermilk, then coated with crunchy panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection. These bite-sized pieces make a perfect snack or appetizer with a delightful crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Coating
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- 1 tsp salt
Other
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 3 cups frying oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the coating mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, coriander, paprika, and granulated garlic. This blend will create a flavorful base layer that enhances the chicken's taste and crispiness.
- Coat the chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the flour mixture and toss well, ensuring that each piece is completely coated with the seasoned flour for optimal flavor and crunch.
- Dip in buttermilk: Next, dip each flour-coated chicken cube into the buttermilk. This step adds moisture to the chicken and helps the final breadcrumb coating stick properly.
- Apply panko breadcrumbs: Roll each buttermilk-dipped chicken piece in the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. The panko imparts a light, crispy texture that is signature to popcorn chicken.
- Heat the oil: Pour the frying oil into a deep pan or deep fryer and heat to 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop a small breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the top immediately.
- Fry the chicken: Gently place 5-6 chicken pieces at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally with a spatula to cook evenly until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain excess oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried chicken bites from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels or napkins to absorb any excess oil.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature is consistently maintained around 350°F to get crispy chicken without overcooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to allow even cooking and crispiness.
- Use fresh panko breadcrumbs for the best crunch.
- Chicken can be marinated briefly in buttermilk before coating for extra tenderness, though not required.
- Serve hot with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/crispy-popcorn-chicken-bites-recipe/
