Description
Crispy, juicy KFC-style popcorn chicken made at home with a seasoned buttermilk marinade and double-breaded coating. Perfect for snacks, parties, or family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt (for breading)
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (for breading)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for breading)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (for breading)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder (optional)
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Add chicken to the marinade, mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, white pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne/chili powder.
- Remove chicken from the marinade. Dredge in the flour mixture, then dip back into the marinade, and dredge in the flour mixture again for a second coat.
- Place breaded chicken pieces on a tray and let rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in small batches for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Optionally sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Use thighs for juicier bites, but breasts work well too.
- Double-dipping ensures maximum crunch and flavor.
- For a lighter version, use an air fryer or bake in the oven.
- Letting the chicken rest before frying helps the coating stick better.
- Try different spice blends for fun flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: KFC-style popcorn chicken, homemade popcorn chicken, easy fried chicken recipe, crispy chicken bites, buttermilk chicken recipe