Description
Enjoy these irresistible Crispy Popcorn Chicken bites that are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for snacking or as a main course, these homemade chicken nuggets are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
For the Coating:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture and fry in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauces.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken for a thicker coating.
- For a lighter option, bake or air fry at 400°F until crispy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
