Crispy Homemade Popcorn Chicken Recipe: Quick Bite-sized Delight

Baked popcorn chicken converts ordinary chicken into an irresistible, crowd-pleasing delight that sparks excitement at any gathering.

Crispy, golden morsels pack a punch of flavor without drowning in excess oil, making this dish a smarter choice for health-conscious food lovers.

Each morsel delivers a satisfying crunch that dances between tender interior and perfectly seasoned exterior.

Light and airy textures elevate this classic comfort food, proving that wholesome cooking can be incredibly delicious.

The magic lies in strategic seasoning and careful baking techniques that seal in moisture while creating an addictive golden coating.

Families and friends will eagerly gather around, reaching for these irresistible bite-sized treasures.

Best Dips to Pair with Baked Popcorn Chicken

• Spark Dipping Delights: Pair this crispy chicken with zesty ranch, tangy honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo for an explosion of complementary flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Wine and Dine Companion: Choose a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold pilsner beer to cut through the richness of the potato chip-crusted chicken and refresh your palate.
• Side Kick Crunch: Serve alongside creamy coleslaw, roasted garlic green beans, or a bright summer corn salad to balance the chicken's crispy texture and add nutritional variety to your meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Combo: Create a fun, casual dinner experience by plating these popcorn chicken bites with crispy sweet potato fries and a refreshing cucumber-dill salad for a complete and satisfying spread.

Fun Variations for Popcorn Chicken

• Spicy Nacho Crunch: Replace potato chips with crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips and add extra cayenne for a fiery kick.
• Ranch-Style Chicken Bites: Swap buttermilk marinade with ranch dressing and mix in dried dill for a tangy southern-style flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Crisp: Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage instead of potato chips for a lighter, herb-infused coating.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and za'atar spice blend into the coating for a Mediterranean-inspired version with robust, earthy notes.

Baked Popcorn Chicken: Crispy, Tender, and Kid-Friendly

• Crunch Like Crazy: The crushed potato chips create an irresistibly crispy coating that delivers maximum crunch in every single bite, giving this chicken a texture that's miles beyond traditional breading.
• Speed Meets Flavor: This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet-style meal in just 30 minutes of marinating and 25 minutes of baking, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick entertaining.
• Spice Up Your Plate: The buttermilk marinade infused with garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper guarantees a bold, zesty flavor profile that elevates standard chicken to something truly memorable and exciting.
• Protein-Packed Perfection: With a hefty 40 grams of protein per serving, this dish offers a substantial and satisfying meal that supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full and energized throughout the evening.

What You Need to Make Baked Popcorn Chicken

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the base of the dish, choose boneless and skinless chicken pieces for even cooking.

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy flavor, helps create a moist and flavorful result.
• Garlic, Basil, Oregano, Thyme: Aromatic herbs and spices that provide depth and Mediterranean-inspired seasoning.
• Cayenne, Salt, Pepper: Adds heat and basic seasoning to enhance overall chicken flavor.

• Potato Chips: Provides a crunchy, flavorful alternative to traditional breadcrumbs for coating.
• Butter: Helps create golden brown color and adds richness to the chickens exterior.
• Parsley: Optional fresh herb for garnish, adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Bake Popcorn Chicken That’s Crispy on the Outside, Tender Inside

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to 400°F and grab a cooling rack. Spritz the rack with nonstick spray and set it on a baking sheet for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create a Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Minced garlic
• Chopped basil
• Dried oregano
• Fresh thyme
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Submerge chicken pieces in this magical mixture and let them soak for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 3: Craft the Crunchy Coating

Drain the chicken and roll each piece in crushed potato chips. Press firmly to ensure a super-crispy exterior that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Arrange the chip-coated chicken pieces on the prepared rack. Drizzle melted butter over the top for extra golden-brown deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even crispiness. You’re looking for a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your crispy creation and plate immediately. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Get ready for a crowd-pleasing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for the Best Popcorn Chicken

• Maximize Buttermilk Magic: Let chicken soak in buttermilk marinade for full 30 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor depth.
• Crush Chips Perfectly: Use a rolling pin or food processor to create uniform, fine potato chip crumbs for consistent, crispy coating.
• Rack Placement Trick: Elevate chicken on a sprayed cooling rack to ensure even air circulation and achieve maximum crispiness on all sides.
• Butter Boost Technique: Drizzle melted butter before baking to help chips turn golden brown and add extra richness to the chicken.
• Temperature Check Pro: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe, juicy results every time.

Storing Leftover Popcorn Chicken to Keep It Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crispiness.
• Reheat in Oven: Revive the crispy texture by preheating the oven to 375°F. Spread chicken pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore the original crunchiness better than microwave reheating.
• Freeze Option: Freeze individual chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Frozen popcorn chicken can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best flavor and texture.

Popcorn Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy baked popcorn chicken delivers irresistible Southern-style comfort without deep-frying. Golden-brown bites packed with zesty seasonings promise a crowd-pleasing meal you can savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) reduced fat buttermilk
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Coating and Garnish:

• 3 cups (270 grams) crushed Sour Cream and Onion Kettle Brand® Potato Chips
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a wire cooling rack with nonstick cooking spray, positioning it atop a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Combine buttermilk, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a large mixing bowl, creating a flavorful marinade for the chicken pieces.
3. Submerge chicken chunks completely in the marinade and refrigerate for precisely 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
4. Remove chicken from the buttermilk mixture, gently shaking off excess liquid, and transfer to a separate plate lined with paper towels to drain.
5. Crush potato chips into fine, uniform crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor, creating a crispy coating medium.
6. Roll each marinated chicken piece thoroughly in the crushed potato chip crumbs, pressing firmly to ensure a complete and even coating that adheres well to the surface.
7. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack, maintaining space between each piece to promote even cooking and maximum crispiness.
8. Drizzle melted unsalted butter evenly over the coated chicken, which will enhance golden browning and add rich flavor.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure uniform cooking and consistent crisp texture.
10. Verify doneness by checking that internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior appears golden and crunchy.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
12. Serve immediately while hot and crisp, accompanied by your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken in a flavor-packed buttermilk bath, infusing it with garlic, herbs, and a hint of cayenne for maximum taste.
• Transform ordinary potato chips into a crunchy, golden coating by crushing them finely and pressing each chicken piece thoroughly.
• Elevate the dish’s texture by using a cooling rack, allowing hot air to circulate and create an even, crispy exterior.
• Drizzle melted butter over the coated chicken to enhance browning and add a rich, indulgent layer of flavor.
• Flip the chicken midway through baking to ensure a perfectly crisp and evenly cooked result.
• Serve hot with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a burst of freshness that complements the crunchy chicken.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 800 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1500mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 160mg