Crunchy Bite-Sized Crispy Popcorn Chicken Recipe for Fun Snacking

Weeknight dinners demand something special like this crispy popcorn chicken that transforms mundane meals into exciting culinary adventures.

Tender chicken pieces coated in a perfectly seasoned breading create an irresistible crunch that makes taste buds dance.

Each golden-brown morsel promises a burst of flavor and texture that delights both kids and adults.

The secret lies in the delicate balance of spices and a technique that ensures maximum crispiness.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen, with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this crowd-favorite chicken treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Popcorn Chicken at Home

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy flavor, choose full-fat version for richness.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses deep savory notes, opt for fresh grinding for maximum aroma.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweet undertone, prefer organic for cleaner taste.
• Paprika: Adds warm color and mild smokiness, select Hungarian variety for deeper flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper: Delivers gentle heat kick, adjust according to spice tolerance.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning, use kosher or sea salt for better texture.
• Black Pepper: Introduces sharp, earthy warmth, freshly ground offers more intense profile.

• Flour: Creates crispy exterior, all-purpose works best for consistent texture.
• Cornstarch: Ensures extra crunchiness, look for non-GMO options.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt: Repeat seasoning from marinade for layered taste.

• Cooking Oil: Provides golden, crispy finish, choose vegetable or peanut oil with high smoke point.

• Ketchup, Honey Mustard, BBQ Sauce, Ranch Dressing: Classic dipping companions that complement chicken's flavor.

Tools That Make Popcorn Chicken Quick to Cook

• Deep skillet or pot: Essential for frying chicken pieces with enough oil depth.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
• Shallow dish: Perfect for mixing flour coating and dredging chicken pieces.
• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for preparing marinade and coating chicken.
• Tongs: Helps safely transfer and flip chicken during frying.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Drains excess oil after frying.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Accurately measures marinade and coating ingredients.

How to Bread and Fry Popcorn Chicken Just Right

• Kick Off the Marinade

Blend buttermilk with seasonings in a roomy bowl. Submerge chicken chunks completely, making sure every piece gets cozy with the flavor mixture. Tuck into the refrigerator for a flavor-building break lasting 30 minutes to 4 hours.

• Create the Crispy Jacket

Whip up a crunchy coating by combining dry ingredients in a wide dish. Rescue chicken from its marinade bath, letting extra liquid drip away. Roll each piece generously in the powdery mix until totally transformed.

• Sizzle and Crisp

Heat oil in a deep cooking vessel until it shimmers with heat. Gently lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, giving them space to dance. Fry until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and reach perfect doneness, about 3-4 minutes per batch.

• Plate and Enjoy

Rescue the crispy morsels onto a paper towel to bid farewell to extra oil. Serve piping hot alongside your favorite dipping companions – maybe tangy ketchup or creamy ranch for maximum deliciousness.

Fun Sauces to Pair With Popcorn Chicken

• Get the perfect popcorn chicken every time!
• Dip chicken pieces twice in buttermilk and flour mixture for extra crispy, thick coating that stays crunchy longer.
• Use a digital thermometer to ensure oil stays consistently at 350°F, preventing soggy or burnt chicken pieces.
• Marinate chicken up to 8 hours in advance and store coated pieces in refrigerator for quick frying later, saving precious cooking time.
• Swap wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use cornstarch to maintain crispy texture for those with dietary restrictions.
• For lower-fat version, arrange coated chicken on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.

Serve Popcorn Chicken for Meals, Snacks, or Parties

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange crispy popcorn chicken bites on a large wooden board with colorful dipping sauces in small ramekins for easy sharing and eye-catching presentation.
• Game Night Hero: Serve these bite-sized chicken pieces alongside crisp vegetable sticks, nacho chips, and a variety of dipping sauces for an ultimate crowd-pleasing snack during sports events or movie marathons.
• Kids' Lunch Delight: Pack these golden-brown chicken nuggets in lunch boxes with a small container of ranch or honey mustard sauce, adding some cut cucumber or carrot sticks for a balanced meal kids will love.
• Cocktail Party Starter: Create elegant mini skewers by threading popcorn chicken pieces onto toothpicks, garnishing with fresh parsley, and serving as a sophisticated appetizer during evening gatherings.

Store Leftover Popcorn Chicken Without Losing the Crisp

• Place freshly fried popcorn chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Store cooled chicken in airtight containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Restore crunchiness by warming chicken in an air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 3-4 minutes. Oven method works well too at 180°C (350°F) for 5-6 minutes, ensuring even heating without microwaving.
• Freeze uncooked breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. When ready to cook, fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time for perfect golden crunch.

FAQs

• Why marinate chicken in buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it more juicy and flavorful. The acidity breaks down proteins, resulting in softer meat that stays moist during frying.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, replace regular flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour. Use cornstarch as a base to maintain the crispy coating texture.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Cut a piece in half to ensure there’s no pink meat and juices run clear.

• What's the best oil for frying popcorn chicken?

Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors. These oils maintain consistent temperature and create crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces.

Easy Meatball Sub Bites Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Italian-style Meatball Sub Bites bring comfort and zest to classic sandwich flavors. Quick appetizers pack robust marinara and melted cheese into convenient, crowd-pleasing mini treats you’ll devour in seconds.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Components:

• 12 frozen or homemade meatballs, fully cooked

Cheese Components:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Base and Seasoning Components:

• 1 can (8 ounces / 226 grams) crescent roll dough (or biscuit dough)
• ½ cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully unfold the crescent dough and methodically slice into 12 uniform squares, ensuring each piece is roughly the same size for consistent cooking.
3. Gently ease each dough square into the prepared muffin cups, pressing softly to create a small cup-like shape that will hold the filling.
4. Delicately spoon a small amount of marinara sauce into the center of each dough-lined cup, creating a flavorful base for the meatball.
5. Nestle a single precooked meatball into the sauce-filled dough cups, positioning them centrally for balanced presentation.
6. Generously sprinkle both mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over each meatball, allowing the cheese to melt and create a golden, appetizing topping.
7. In a separate small mixing bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, whisking to create a fragrant herb-infused glaze.
8. Using a pastry brush, carefully coat the exposed dough edges with the seasoned butter mixture, which will help create a golden, crispy exterior.
9. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching carefully until the bites turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese becomes delightfully bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the meatball bites to cool for 5 minutes, which helps them set and prevents burning.
11. Finish by garnishing with finely chopped fresh basil or parsley, adding a bright, aromatic touch to the bite-sized appetizers.

Notes

• Customize the meatballs by using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that’s perfect for health-conscious eaters.
• Use gluten-free crescent roll dough to make this recipe completely gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Prep these bite-sized treats ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 4 hours before baking, making them ideal for quick party appetizers or game day snacks.
• Add a kick of heat by mixing a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce or sprinkling some over the top before baking for those who love a spicy twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg