Popcorn Chicken Crispy Bites (Printable)

Juicy chicken pieces coated in a golden, crispy crust ideal for snacking or sharing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into ¾ inch pieces

→ Marinade

02 - ½ cup buttermilk
03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1 tsp onion powder
05 - ½ tsp paprika
06 - ½ tsp salt
07 - ¼ tsp ground black pepper

→ Breading

08 - 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
09 - ½ cup cornstarch
10 - 1 tsp baking powder
11 - 1 tsp paprika
12 - 1 tsp salt
13 - ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Frying

15 - Vegetable oil for deep frying

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine chicken pieces with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 4 hours.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Preheat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (180°C).
04 - Drain excess marinade from chicken. Toss pieces in the flour mixture until fully coated. For extra crispiness, dip coated chicken back into buttermilk, then re-coat in the flour mixture.
05 - Fry chicken in batches without overcrowding for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
06 - Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Golden, impossibly crispy coating that stays crunchy even as it cools.
  • Juicy chicken inside—no dry bites, no regrets.
  • Ready in under 40 minutes from marinade to plate.
  • Feeds a crowd or just satisfies your late-night snack cravings.
02 -
  • Oil temperature is everything—too cool and they're greasy, too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan; temperature drops and you'll steam instead of fry.
  • The double-coat technique (buttermilk, flour, buttermilk, flour again) is what separates good popcorn chicken from unforgettable popcorn chicken.
03 -
  • Cornstarch is non-negotiable if you want that shattering crust—it creates texture that all-purpose flour alone cannot deliver.
  • Marinate your chicken in advance; even 30 minutes makes a noticeable difference in tenderness and flavor.
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