Crispy Homemade Popcorn Chicken

Created on August 27th, 2025 at 06:06 pm

Bite-sized golden chicken, fried to perfection!

Craving something crispy, juicy, and downright irresistible? This Homemade Popcorn Chicken Recipe delivers golden, bite-sized pieces of seasoned chicken that are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, fun weekend snacks, or even party appetizers! Best part? It’s ready in just over 30 minutes, using pantry staples and no fancy equipment. If you love easy cooking and fast dinner recipes, this one’s for you. Pair it with mashed potatoes and green beans for a full meal, or serve with dipping sauces for a fun finger food feast. 🍽️

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⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6

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📝 Ingredients List

• 3 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cups oil (or enough for frying, about 2 inches deep)
• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cubed

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✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:

• Large frying pan or deep pot
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Paper towels
• Cooking thermometer (optional, for oil temp)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Prep your coating stations:
   In a medium bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat eggs and lemon juice together.
2. Heat the oil:
   Pour oil into a large pot about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (use a thermometer or test with a breadcrumb—it should sizzle).
3. Dredge the chicken:
   Coat each chicken cube in the flour mixture, shake off excess, dip into the egg mixture, let the excess drip off, then coat again in flour.
4. Fry in batches:
   Carefully place a few pieces at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 7–8 minutes, turning if needed, until golden brown and fully cooked. 🧡
5. Drain and serve:
   Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat until all chicken is cooked. Serve hot with your favorite dips! 🍗

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💡 Pro Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best crispiness.
• Substitutions: You can use chicken thighs for extra juiciness or gluten-free flour for a GF version.
• Make it ahead: Bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before frying.
• Serving ideas: Serve with honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce—or turn it into a popcorn chicken bowl with rice and veggies!

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📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.