Crispy Homemade Popcorn Chicken Recipe: Bite-sized Joy

Crispy, golden-brown popcorn chicken makes every meal an instant crowd-pleaser that sparks joy at the dinner table.

Bite-sized pieces of tender chicken coated in a perfectly seasoned, crunchy breading deliver an irresistible texture and flavor.

This homemade popcorn chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality goodness straight to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Each morsel promises a delightful crunch that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

The secret lies in the simple yet magical combination of spices and the right breading technique.

Kids and adults alike will devour these addictive little nuggets faster than you can say “more please!” Dive into this easy recipe and transform your ordinary dinner into a crispy, delectable feast that everyone will love.

Steps to Bake Perfect Popcorn Chicken Pieces

• Flavor Bath

Submerge chicken pieces in a zesty buttermilk bath infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Let the chicken soak up the delicious flavors for half an hour, allowing each morsel to become supremely tender and delectable.

• Crispy Coating

Crush potato chips into fine, flaky crumbs that will create an irresistible golden exterior. Gently press the chips onto each chicken piece, ensuring a complete and even coverage that promises maximum crunchiness.

• Oven Transformation

Position the coated chicken on a prepared baking rack, giving each piece space to crisp up perfectly. Drizzle with a touch of melted butter to enhance the golden, crackling surface.

• Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into a hot oven and let the magic happen. Bake until the chicken turns a beautiful amber color and reaches a perfectly juicy interior, flipping midway to guarantee even browning.

• Serving

Pull the chicken from the oven when it’s gloriously crisp and cooked through. Serve immediately while the coating remains wonderfully crunchy and the inside stays moist and succulent.

Tips to Nail Crunchy Popcorn Chicken at Home

• Experiment with different potato chip flavors like sour cream and onion, barbecue, or ranch to create unique coating profiles for your chicken.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to dial heat up or down, making the dish mild for kids or extra spicy for heat lovers.
• Use gluten-free potato chips and replace buttermilk with lactose-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with lemon juice for sensitive diets.
• Whip up quick accompaniments like honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli to elevate the chicken's crispy texture and flavor complexity.
• Chop cold baked popcorn chicken and toss into salads, wrap in tortillas, or crumble over mac and cheese for delicious next-day meal upgrades.

Great Ways to Serve Popcorn Chicken Bites

• Flavor Explosion Dips: Whip up zesty ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or tangy honey mustard to complement the crispy chicken's crunchy exterior and enhance each bite's deliciousness.
• Game Night Sidekick: Serve alongside refreshing coleslaw, crisp green salad, or golden french fries for a complete meal that'll make movie nights and sports gatherings unforgettable.
• Sandwich Transformation: Tuck these golden chicken pieces into soft brioche buns with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce to create mouthwatering handheld sandwiches perfect for lunch or casual dinners.
• Salad Power Protein: Slice the baked popcorn chicken and scatter over mixed greens, adding cherry tomatoes and cucumber for a light, protein-packed meal that's both satisfying and nutritious.

Save Your Popcorn Chicken for Another Day

• Quick Batch Prep: Double the recipe and cook extra chicken for speedy weeknight meals. Store in airtight containers for convenient grab-and-go protein options during busy days.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Cool chicken completely before storing. Sealed containers keep crispy bites fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to maintain crunchiness.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Arrange uncooked breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Directly bake frozen chicken adding 5-7 minutes to cooking time for instant homemade meals.
• Reheating Magic: Restore crispiness by warming chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture. Air fryers work wonderfully for quick, crisp reheating without extra oil.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 415 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Go Into Baked Popcorn Chicken

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender meat that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides rich, succulent texture for baking.
• Reduced Fat Buttermilk: Tangy liquid that tenderizes chicken, adds subtle richness, and helps create a perfect coating surface.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor booster that infuses deep, savory notes into the chicken marinade.
• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme: Herbaceous Mediterranean seasonings that elevate the chicken's flavor profile with earthy, aromatic undertones.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional spice that adds a gentle heat kick for those who enjoy a subtle warmth.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning elements that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Sour Cream and Onion Kettle Brand® Potato Chips: Unique, crunchy coating that provides an unexpected, zesty flavor and incredible crispy texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted ingredient that helps chips adhere to chicken and creates golden, crisp exterior when baked.

• Fresh Parsley Leaves: Bright, fresh herb that adds color, mild peppery flavor, and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Tools You’ll Want for Popcorn Chicken Success

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for even cooking and catching drips.
• Cooling rack: Helps chicken stay crispy by allowing air circulation underneath.
• Large bowl: For marinating chicken in buttermilk mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient measurements.
• Cutting board: For preparing chicken pieces.
• Sharp knife: To trim and cut chicken.
• Mixing bowl: For crushing potato chips.
• Pastry brush or spoon: To drizzle melted butter over chicken.

Crispy Popcorn Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory popcorn chicken delights with crispy, bite-sized morsels of seasoned chicken. Crunchy exterior and juicy interior make this recipe a crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk, reduced fat
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 3 cups (270 g) potato chips, Kettle Brand® Sour Cream and Onion, crushed
• ¼ cup (60 ml) butter, unsalted, melted
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• 2 tbsps parsley leaves, fresh, chopped

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Instructions

1. Marination Preparation: Whisk buttermilk, garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, cayenne, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl to create a vibrant flavor infusion.
2. Chicken Immersion: Submerge chicken chunks completely in the marinade, refrigerating for 30 minutes to allow deep flavor penetration and meat tenderization.
3. Coating Creation: Pulverize potato chips into fine, uniform crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor, preparing a crispy exterior medium.
4. Breading Process: Drain chicken pieces on paper towels, then meticulously coat each chunk in crushed potato chip crumbs, pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage.
5. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), positioning a wire rack sprayed with nonstick cooking spray over a rimmed baking sheet for optimal air circulation.
6. Strategic Arrangement: Distribute breaded chicken pieces on the rack, maintaining spacing to promote even cooking and maximum crispiness.
7. Flavor Enhancement: Drizzle melted unsalted butter over the coated chicken to promote golden browning and add rich depth of flavor.
8. Baking Technique: Roast for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet midway to ensure uniform cooking and consistent crisp texture.
9. Doneness Verification: Confirm chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) with a golden, crunchy exterior.
10. Serving Finale: Rest chicken for 2-3 minutes, allowing juice redistribution, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Refrigerate chicken in buttermilk mixture exactly 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and meat tenderness without making texture mushy.
• Crush Chips Carefully: Use consistent, fine crumb size when crushing potato chips to ensure even, crispy coating that adheres perfectly to chicken pieces.
• Butter Boosts Browning: Drizzling melted butter before baking guarantees golden, extra-crispy exterior with rich, enhanced flavor profile.
• Temperature Check Matters: Always confirm chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature to ensure safe consumption while maintaining juicy, tender meat texture.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 415
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg