Who doesn’t love KFC’s crispy popcorn chicken? It’s a favorite snack or side dish for many, loved for its crunchy exterior and juicy interior. Now, you can recreate this fast-food favorite at home with our easy recipe that promises the same irresistible flavor and texture.
Make this using the air fryer or oil fryer. Either way you make it, the best part is, you can be enjoying this delicious fast food recipe in 30 minutes or less right at home.
Why People Love Popcorn Chicken
Popcorn chicken is adored for its bite-sized pieces of chicken breast coated in a flavorful blend of spices and crispy breading. Whether enjoyed as a snack, party appetizer, game day snack, or alongside your favorite sides. It’s a versatile dish that satisfies cravings for crunchy, savory goodness.
Our whole family loves easy meals like this.
Homemade KFC’s Crispy Popcorn Chicken Copycat Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast two medium-sized chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper optional for heat
- Vegetable oil for frying or olive oil spray for air frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.1 Cup All-Purpose Flour, 1 Cup Breadcrumbs, 1 Teaspoon Salt, 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder, 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper, 1/2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- Coat chicken pieces evenly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.1 Pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
Deep Frying Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer pan over medium-high heat. Fry coated chicken pieces in hot oil in small batches. Cook about 3-4 minutes per batch until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.Vegetable oil for frying or olive oil spray for air frying
Air Frying Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray with olive oil, and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Recipe Tips:
- For extra crispiness, double coat each piece of chicken by dipping them again in the flour mixture after the first coating.
- Use a cooling rack over a baking sheet when frying to keep the chicken crispy and drain excess oil.
- If making a lot for the whole family, place the baking sheet in the oven on warm heat 250 degrees Fahrenheit between frying batches. It will keep the popcorn warm with a crispy exterior until you are ready to eat.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more or less cayenne pepper for spice.
- You can use this same recipe to make delicious chicken tenders.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard. Popcorn chicken pairs perfectly with french fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. I often reheat leftovers and add the delicious crispy pieces to my salad at lunch time.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
Make Ahead and Freeze the KFC Style Popcorn Chicken
You can freeze cooked popcorn chicken for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes.
The Best Way to Freeze Popcorn Chicken Pieces
Allow the cooked popcorn chicken to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents excess moisture, which can cause ice crystals to form and affect the texture.
Place the cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the pieces aren’t touching each other to prevent them from sticking together.
Flash Freeze. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the chicken pieces for about 1-2 hours, or until they are frozen solid. This method, known as flash freezing, helps maintain the individual shape and prevents them from clumping together.
Transfer to Freezer Bags. Once the chicken pieces are frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date.
Store the frozen popcorn chicken in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Frozen Popcorn Chicken
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the frozen popcorn chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and crispy.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Reheating Tips
For best results, do not thaw the popcorn chicken before reheating. Reheating directly from frozen helps maintain its crispy texture.
If using an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the frozen popcorn chicken for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy popcorn chicken anytime with minimal effort.
My family loved this!