Description
This homemade Popcorn Chicken is crispy, tender, and full of flavor with a perfectly seasoned breading. It’s a fun and easy appetizer or dinner idea that pairs perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1¼ lb boneless skinless chicken breast (about 3 small breasts)
- 1.5 quarts vegetable oil (or 6 cups), for frying
- Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Marinate: In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, and salt. Pat chicken dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Add chicken to marinade and toss to coat. Let sit at room temp for 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 12 hours (bring to room temp before frying).
- Breading: In a wide container, mix flour, panko, seasoned salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne. Shake excess marinade off chicken, then coat thoroughly in breading. Repeat for all pieces.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot to 350–375°F. Test oil by dropping in a piece of breading—it should float and sizzle immediately.
- Fry: Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to transfer to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet. Maintain oil temp between batches.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ, ranch, or sweet and sour.
Notes
- Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work well for frying.
- Substitute 1 cup buttermilk for the sour cream/milk mixture if preferred.
- Cornflakes can be used in place of panko for extra crunch.
- To reheat leftovers, bake at 325°F for 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
- Best served fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 237
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1137mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 63mg
