Crispy Popcorn Chicken Bites Clara quick dinners

Crispy Popcorn Chicken Bites are the ultimate bite-sized comfort food. These golden nuggets of juicy chicken are seasoned to perfection, coated in a crunchy crust, and fried (or baked) until irresistibly crisp. Perfect for snacking, parties, or even dinner with your favorite dipping sauce, these little bites are a family-friendly favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Extra crispy outside, juicy inside
• Fun and kid-friendly
• Ideal for dipping and sharing
• Simple ingredients and fast cook time
• Great for meal prep or entertaining

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Buttermilk
• Egg
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Directions

1. Prep the chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces (around 1-inch cubes).
2. Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. Add the chicken pieces and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for extra tenderness.
3. Make the coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using).
4. Dredge: Remove chicken from the marinade, let excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press firmly to help the coating stick.
5. Fry: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 34 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain and serve: Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinate Time: 1 hour (recommended)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating)

Variations

• Spicy version: Add hot sauce to the marinade or more cayenne to the flour mix
• Herby twist: Add dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the coating
• Oven-baked: Bake coated chicken on a wire rack at 425°F for 2025 minutes
• Air fryer: Cook at 400°F for 1012 minutes, shaking halfway through

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer to restore crispness (avoid microwave if possible)
• Freezing: Freeze fully cooked pieces in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in oven or air fryer

FAQs

Can I skip the buttermilk marinade?

The marinade helps tenderize and flavor the chicken, but in a pinch, you can coat directly and fry.

Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?

Yes, any boneless, skinless chicken works great.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Use neutral oils with high smoke points like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.

How do I keep the coating crispy?

Make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F), don’t overcrowd the pan, and drain on paper towels after frying.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just fry in batches so the oil temperature stays consistent.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend and check your seasonings to make it gluten-free.

Can I use pre-cut frozen chicken?

Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.

What dips go well with popcorn chicken?

Ranch, honey mustard, buffalo, sriracha mayo, or barbecue sauce all pair perfectly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute the buttermilk with almond milk + lemon juice or a dairy-free yogurt marinade.

How do I serve it?

Serve as an appetizer, in wraps, on salads, or with fries for a fun meal.

Conclusion

Crispy Popcorn Chicken Bites are the perfect finger food: crunchy, tender, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a party, a weeknight dinner, or game day, this easy recipe delivers all the satisfaction of fried chicken in fun, snackable bites. Try them with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear fast!

Print