Crispy, Homemade Baked Popcorn Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves

Crispy and golden baked popcorn chicken delivers a healthier twist on a classic comfort food favorite.

Oven-roasted techniques ensure maximum crunch without excess oil.

Small pieces of tender chicken coated in seasoned breading create irresistible bites.

Minimal ingredients make this recipe surprisingly simple to prepare.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing dish with just a few basic steps.

Seasoning combinations offer endless opportunities to personalize the flavor profile.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for quick weeknight meals that everyone will devour.

Popcorn Chicken That’s Crunchy and Crowd-Pleasing

• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Prepare a delicious meal in under 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast, crowd-pleasing protein option.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different spice combinations in the breading mixture, allowing you to create a unique taste profile that suits your family's preferences and keeps mealtime exciting.
• Healthier Baked Alternative: Enjoy the crispy, crunchy texture of fried chicken without the excess oil, as this recipe uses baking to achieve a golden, satisfying crunch while keeping the dish lighter and more nutritious.

Popcorn Chicken (Baked) Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein source that creates the base of the dish, choose boneless and skinless for best results, tender and mild flavor.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Regular Breadcrumbs: Crispy coating that provides texture and crunch, Japanese panko creates extra crispiness, light and airy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and helps breading stick to chicken, sharp and salty flavor profile.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides aromatic and savory undertones, enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Paprika: Adds mild warmth and beautiful golden color to the breading.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings subtle heat and spiciness.

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy flavor, helps breading adhere to meat.
• Eggs: Acts as adhesive for breading, creates golden coating.

• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve crispy exterior and prevents sticking.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents chicken from burning.

Popcorn Chicken Baked Crunchy Directions

Step 1: Tenderize Chicken with Buttermilk Bath

Submerge chicken pieces completely in buttermilk.

Let the chicken soak and absorb flavors for a minimum of 30 minutes.

For maximum tenderness, consider marinating overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Breading Mixture

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Regular breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until well blended.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Lightly spray the paper with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Pieces

Remove chicken from buttermilk.

Shake off excess liquid.

Dunk each piece into whisked eggs.

Roll thoroughly in seasoned breadcrumb mixture.

Ensure complete and even coating.

Transfer coated chicken to prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spray chicken pieces lightly with cooking spray.

This helps achieve extra crispiness.

Bake for 18-22 minutes.

Flip chicken halfway through cooking time.

Look for golden brown exterior and fully cooked interior.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Allow chicken to cool slightly.

Plate with favorite dipping sauces.

Enjoy the crispy, crunchy goodness of homemade popcorn chicken!

Popcorn Chicken – Crispy Coating Tips

• Marinate chicken overnight for maximum tenderness and deeper flavor penetration.
• Mix panko and regular breadcrumbs for an extra crispy, multi-textured exterior that holds more seasoning.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally without overcooking, keeping meat juicy and safe.
• Light cooking spray before and midway through baking creates golden, evenly crisp chicken without excess oil.
• Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals while maintaining crunch.

Save Baked Popcorn Chicken for Snacking Again

• Store leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 2 months. Label with date to track storage time.
• Restore crispiness by preheating oven to 375°F. Spread chicken on baking sheet, bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy exterior returns.
• Quickly revive chicken's crunch by air frying at 370°F for 3-4 minutes. Shake basket halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain original texture.

Popcorn Chicken Go-With Ideas

• Pair Zesty Ranch Dressing: Creamy, tangy ranch amplifies the crispy chicken's flavor profile, creating a mouthwatering combination that enhances every bite.
• Serve with Crisp Coleslaw: Refreshing, crunchy slaw provides a cool contrast to the hot, spicy chicken, balancing the meal with its light and zesty texture.
• Match with Chilled Craft Beer: Hoppy, cold beer cuts through the richness of the breaded chicken, offering a refreshing palate cleanser that complements the dish's savory notes.
• Accompany with Sweet Potato Fries: Caramelized, slightly sweet fries add a complementary side that brings additional crunch and depth to the chicken's crispy exterior.

Baked Popcorn Chicken Flavor Ideas

• Gluten-Free Popcorn Chicken: Replace panko and regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a celiac-friendly version.
• Keto-Friendly Coating: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to create a low-carb alternative that maintains crispy texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute buttermilk with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
• Spicy Buffalo Chicken Bites: Mix hot sauce into the buttermilk marinade and add extra cayenne pepper to the breading for a fiery kick that transforms the original recipe.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for marinating?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it more juicy and flavorful. The acidic properties break down proteins, resulting in a softer, more delicious chicken.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute, buttermilk provides better flavor and tenderness. If needed, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s properties.

• How do I ensure my chicken stays crispy?

Use a combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs, and spray chicken with cooking spray before baking. This helps create a golden, crunchy exterior that stays crisp.

• What's the best way to check if chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

Baked Popcorn Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy popcorn chicken brings Southern comfort straight to your plate with golden-brown, bite-sized morsels. Perfectly seasoned breading and juicy chicken make this irresistible snack a crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Breading:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Immerse chicken pieces in buttermilk, allowing them to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight to enhance tenderness and flavor infusion.
2. Create a seasoned coating by combining panko and traditional breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, blending in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne for a robust flavor profile.
3. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C), preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet with a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
4. Transform each marinated chicken piece by first dredging through beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then generously roll in the prepared seasoned breadcrumb mixture for maximum crispiness.
5. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each morsel to promote even crisping.
6. Lightly mist the breaded chicken with cooking spray to encourage golden browning and additional crunch.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, carefully turning the pieces midway to guarantee uniform cooking and an appetizing golden exterior.
8. Remove from oven and allow the chicken to rest briefly, letting the residual heat complete the cooking process and the exterior to set its crispy texture.
9. Plate and accompany with preferred dipping sauces, serving immediately to preserve the optimal crunch and temperature.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken thoroughly by pounding to an even thickness, ensuring consistent cooking and crispiness.
• Customize breadcrumb mix by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor complexity.
• Experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb, celiac-friendly version of the dish.
• Use an air fryer instead of oven for crispier texture and faster cooking time, reducing overall preparation duration.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg