Easy Popcorn Chicken Recipe

This crispy Easy Popcorn Chicken Recipe is a versatile favorite that works just as well as a family-friendly dinner entrée as it does for casual entertaining. Serve it piled high on salads, tucked into slider rolls or wraps, or as a crowd-pleasing finger food for parties and game day spreads. This Southern-inspired classic delivers bite-sized pieces of boneless fried chicken coated in a crispy, flavorful breading that takes every bite to the next level, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Easy Popcorn Chicken Recipe

What is popcorn chicken? It’s made from bite-sized little pieces of chicken breast that are seasoned, breaded, and deep-fried until crispy and golden. They’re small enough to eat by the handful, just like popcorn, which is exactly how they got their name.

Unbeknownst to many, plenty of tried-and-true Southern cooks rely on pancake mix as a secret ingredient in their fried chicken breading. It adds a subtle richness and helps create that crave-worthy, golden crunch. In this Easy Popcorn Chicken recipe, the addition of cornstarch takes the texture even further, delivering an extra light, crispy coating that clings perfectly to each bite-sized piece. A well-balanced blend of seasonings is key, ensuring every piece of this Southern-style fried chicken is packed with bold, savory flavor from the first bite to the last.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Popcorn Chicken: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card and quantities).

• Chicken Breast – Boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces.
• Buttermilk – Buttermilk tenderizes and adds flavor.
• Breading – Pancake mix and cornstarch form the crispy coating.
• Spices – Seasoned salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper.
• Whole Eggs – Large eggs whisked with whole milk helps the breading adhere.
• Cooking Oil – Peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying.

How to Make Southern-Style Popcorn Chicken Recipe

• Marinate – Place chicken pieces into a plastic storage bag and cover with buttermilk. Marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Drain Chicken – Remove chicken pieces from buttermilk to a colander to drain. Discard marinade.
• Set-up Dredging Station:
• 1st – Mix together pancake mix, cornstarch, seasoned salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper in a shallow dish.
• 2nd – Whisk together eggs and milk in a separate shallow dish. Have nearby a pan to place breaded pieces.
• Dredge the Chicken – Dredge each chicken piece in dry ingredients then dip in egg wash and into dry mixture a second time. Repeat until all chicken pieces are breaded.
• Heat Oil – Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350-360°F.
• Cook – Fry chicken in batches until golden on both sides and cooked through.
• Drain and Season – Remove to a paper towel lined pan or platter to drain grease. Sprinkle lightly with additional seasoned salt immediately.
• Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Kitchen Tools to Make Easy Popcorn Chicken Recipe

• Dutch oven fitted with a fry thermometer or a deep fryer.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Two shallow bowls and whisk.
• Stainless steel spider or slotted spoon to remove from the hot oil.
• Paper towel lined platter or sheet pan.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Chicken – You could use boneless skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Thighs may take slightly longer to cook, but otherwise no other adjustments are needed. You could use the breading for bone-in chicken, too but the cooking time and technique is very different. See how to make Southern Fried Chicken here.
• Pancake Mix – You could use all purpose flour, self-rising flour or biscuit mix in place of pancake mix. This recipe utilizes a combination of pancake mix and cornstarch to give the coating that crunch we all love.
• Spice – If you’d like to make spicy popcorn chicken, add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the seasonings for the breading.
• Popcorn Chicken in an Air Fryer – This recipe is designed to be deep fried. That said, you could adapt it for an air fryer. Adjust the cook time according to how your appliance performs and the size of the popcorn chicken. See the recipe card for full instructions.
• Best Dipping Sauces for Popcorn Chicken – I love serving this popcorn chicken with my homemade Copycat Chick fil Sauce or Southern Comeback Sauce.  My homemade Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce goes well with it, too. In a pinch, spicy ketchup will work. Another delicious dipping sauce you may like to try is my homemade Avocado Lime Ranch.

Storage and Leftovers

• Serving Suggestions – You can serve this homemade popcorn chicken as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, as an entrée, on salads, wraps or piled onto a toasted hoagie as a chicken po’boy sandwich.
• Leftovers – Store leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container or wrapped in aluminum foil chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat on a sheet pan in a preheated 375°F oven to crisp, in an air fryer or gently in the microwave.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Chicken Recipes to Make

• Treat the family to homemade Crispy Chicken Sandwiches.
• Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Strips.
• Chicken Fried Chicken and Gravy with a side of mashed potatoes.
• Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles drizzled with maple syrup.
• Easy Oven Fried Chicken Tenders cook in no time flat.
• Decadent Honey Pecan Fried Chicken.
• Fried Chicken Cakes and remoulade sauce is a fan favorite.
• Grilled Chicken Kabobs from Averie Cooks.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Dutch Oven
• Fry Thermometer
• Stainless Steel Spider
• Breading Pans