Popcorn Chicken KFC Style (Chicken Pop)

Enjoy the savory crunch of Popcorn Chicken, inspired by the classic KFC favorite, right in your own kitchen! This juicy, flavor-packed snack, made from boneless chicken and a flavorful seasoned flour coating, is easy to make at home. Whether for an evening treat or a delicious starter, this homemade version is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Course Appetizer, Snacks

Cuisine American

Diet Halal

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 353

Author Sangeetha Vel

Ingredients

For the Marination

1¼ lb Boneless Chicken breasts or thighs, bite-sized
¼ cup Milk
1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
1 tbsp Chili Sauce
1 tbsp Lime Juice
Salt to taste

For Flour Coating

½ cup All-Purpose Flour
¼ cup Cornstarch
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Chili Powder
Salt to taste
1 tsp Pepper crushed

For Frying

Oil any neutral tasting oil

For Seasoning the Chicken (Optional)

1 tbsp Chili Sauce
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Olive Oil

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

In a bowl, combine boneless chicken pieces, milk, ginger garlic paste, chili sauce, lime juice, and salt.
Mix thoroughly, making sure all the chicken pieces are fully coated with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes, allowing it to soak up the flavors and become tender before coating and frying. If time permits, you can marinate for up to 30 minutes for even better flavor.

Flour Coating the Chicken

In a large tray, combine all-purpose flour, corn starch, chili powder, garlic powder, crushed pepper, and salt.
Mix the ingredients well to create a uniform coating mixture, making sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout.
Take each piece of marinated chicken and coat it thoroughly with the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is fully covered. Gently shake off any excess flour. The chicken is now prepped and ready for frying. The key to crispy chicken lies in the flour mix, so be sure to coat each piece evenly and fry it right away for that perfect crunchy bite.

Frying the Chicken

Carefully place the flour-coated chicken pieces into medium-heated oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Frying in small batches allows the chicken to cook evenly and get a crispy exterior without lowering the oil temperature.
Fry the chicken, occasionally stirring to ensure all sides cook evenly, until each piece turns a golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the Popcorn Chicken from the oil and transfer it to a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dips, or set aside for the final seasoning, as explained in the next steps.

Seasong the Popcorn Chicken (Optional)

In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili sauce, and garlic powder, mixing thoroughly to blend the flavors into a smooth, spicy marinade.
Drizzle this spicy marinade over the fried Popcorn Chicken and toss well, making sure each piece is fully coated for an extra layer of flavor. Your spicy version is now ready to enjoy!

Serving

Serve this crispy and crunchy KFC-style Popcorn Chicken with ketchup, mayo, or any of your favorite dips. For even more pairing ideas, don't forget to check out our Serving Suggestions section below.

Notes

Here are some tips to help you make Popcorn Chicken just the way you like it:

Double Coating for Extra Crisp: If you want even more crispiness, dip the chicken in the flour, then into a little beaten egg or water, and coat it again in the flour before frying. This double coating gives it an extra crunch.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in small batches so the oil stays hot and each piece gets evenly cooked and crispy. Crowding the pan can make the chicken soggy.
Mix Up the Flavors: Feel free to get creative with your flour mix by adding smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to give your Popcorn Chicken a unique flavor.
Using Breadcrumbs: If you’d like to experiment, you can use breadcrumbs for coating Popcorn Chicken. However, the classic KFC Popcorn Chicken skips breadcrumbs and relies on a seasoned flour mixture to get its signature crispiness.
Spicy Version: For a fiery twist, toss the fried chicken pieces in chili sauce. You can also use sriracha or any of your favorite hot sauces. If you’re craving even more heat, try using Szechuan Sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Baking: You can bake Popcorn Chicken as a healthier alternative to frying. Bake at 400°F for about 10 to 15 minutes on each side until crisp. For extra crunch, broil the pieces on low for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
Air Frying: If you're using an air fryer, spray the chicken lightly with oil before cooking to get a crispy, golden finish without deep frying. Check out the air fryer steps below for more details.

Nutrition

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