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Crispy Homemade Popcorn Chicken

If you love crispy fried chicken, you are going to absolutely love this Homemade Popcorn Chicken recipe. These tender bite-sized pieces of chicken are hand-breaded with flavorful seasonings, dipped in milk, coated in flour and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, then fried until perfectly golden brown and crispy. Be sure to check out all of our other chicken recipes, like crispy chicken tenders and fried pickle chicken tenders or bbq chicken bites.

This easy recipe makes the ultimate appetizer, game day snack, or quick family dinner. Serve these crispy chicken bites with ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or your favorite dipping sauces for a meal everyone will devour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Extra crispy coating
• Tender juicy chicken
• Easy simple ingredients
• Perfect for dipping
• Better than frozen popcorn chicken
• Great for parties, lunches, or dinners

Jennie’s Thoughts

This recipe is one of those comfort food favorites that everybody gets excited about. I love making these crispy little chicken bites for movie nights, game days, or quick family dinners because they disappear fast every single time.

The combination of the seasoned flour and crunchy panko breadcrumbs gives these the BEST texture. They turn out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside.

I also love how versatile these are because you can dip them in just about anything. Ranch, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce… honestly they’re delicious with all of it!

If you’ve never made homemade popcorn chicken before, don’t worry — it’s much easier than you think, and the flavor is so much better than anything frozen or takeout.

Here’s What You Need

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make Homemade Popcorn Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Stations

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined.

In a separate shallow bowl, combine the flour, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Place the panko breadcrumbs into a third shallow bowl.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the milk mixture first.

Next, coat the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture.

Dip the chicken back into the milk mixture one more time.

Finally, coat the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the breadcrumbs stick well.

Place the breaded chicken pieces onto a plate or baking sheet while finishing the remaining chicken.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot.

Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees F.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Fry for about 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked through.

Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place onto a paper towel-lined plate.

Repeat with the remaining chicken.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or ketchup.

Tips For The Best Popcorn Chicken

• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
• Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays consistent
• Double dipping helps create an extra crispy coating
• Make sure the oil is fully heated before frying
• Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for the crispiest texture

What To Serve With Popcorn Chicken

• French fries
• Mac and cheese
• Coleslaw
• Potato wedges
• Side salad
• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer until crispy and heated through.