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jhessica

Crispy Popcorn Chicken Bites: A Delicious Recipe Adventure

Crispy Popcorn Chicken Bites are delicious, bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a flavorful buttermilk marinade and crispy breadcrumbs, perfect for snacking or as a main dish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best flavor.
  2. In a shallow dish, place the flour. In another shallow dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in flour, then dip back into the buttermilk, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
  5. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  7. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgFiber: 1g

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the buttermilk marinade or the flour mixture.
  • For a healthier version, bake the chicken bites at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

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