Name: Popcorn Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 6 h 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp white pepper, finely ground; 1 tsp celery salt; 2 tsp mustard powder; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp onion powder; 2 tsp dried basil; 2 tsp dried thyme; 2 tsp dried oregano; 2 tsp sweet paprika; 21 oz (600g) chicken thighs, skinless boneless; 1 cup (250ml) buttermilk; 2 tbsp pickle brine (optional); 1 tbsp of the seasoning blend; 2 cups (260g) all-purpose/plain flour; 1/2 cup (50g) cornstarch (cornflour); 1 tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda); 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tbsp of the seasoning blend; Neutral oil such as canola, vegetable, or sunflower for frying

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 89 reviews

If you have ever wanted to recreate that irresistible, crunchy, tender snack you find at fairs and movie theaters, you are going to love this Popcorn Chicken Recipe. It brings together juicy chicken thigh morsels marinated in tangy buttermilk and pickle brine, then coated in a secret herb and spice mix that creates an addictive crispy crust. Each bite is bursting with savory flavors and a delightful texture that will have you reaching for more. Whether it’s for a party, a casual snack, or a fun appetizer, this recipe is simple enough to make at home but impressive enough to wow your friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two close-up views of small pieces of battered food frying in the oil of a metal pan. On the left, the pieces are lighter in color, pale pink with some yellow batter edges, floating in bubbling yellow oil. On the right, the pieces are darker brown and crispy with spots of char, still frying in the bubbling oil, showing texture from the bubbles and the crunchy batter. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Popcorn Chicken Recipe is in its straightforward and carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor and helping achieve the perfect crispy crust, while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this crowd-pleaser:

Secret Herb and Spices Seasoning blend: A fragrant mix of salt, white pepper, celery salt, mustard powder, and herbs to flavor both marinade and coating.
Chicken thighs (skinless, boneless): Thighs provide unbeatable juiciness and tenderness compared to breast meat.
Buttermilk: Marinates and tenderizes chicken while adding subtle tanginess.
Pickle brine (optional): Adds a zingy depth and helps tenderize the chicken further.
All-purpose flour and cornstarch: The combination ensures an ultra-crispy outer layer that pops with crunch.
Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents help create that light, airy crunch in the coating.
Neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or sunflower): For deep frying the bite-sized chicken pieces to golden perfection.

How to Make Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Make the seasoning blend

Start by combining all the spices for the secret herb and spices seasoning in a small jar – this includes salt, white pepper, celery salt, mustard powder, garlic and onion powder, dried basil, thyme, oregano, and sweet paprika. Shake or mix well and keep it sealed. This magical blend flavors both the chicken marinade and the crispy coating, giving this Popcorn Chicken Recipe its signature taste.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Dice 600 grams of skinless, boneless chicken thighs into small, bite-sized cubes, trimming any fatty bits. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix 1 cup of buttermilk with 2 tablespoons of pickle brine (if using) and a tablespoon of the seasoning blend. Add the chicken pieces, stir until thoroughly coated, then refrigerate for 6 to 12 hours. The longer marination period tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor, making every bite juicy and delicious.

Step 3: Prepare the coating and dredge the chicken

When ready to cook, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon each of baking soda and baking powder, and a tablespoon of the seasoning blend. Spread this flour mixture on a wide platter. Working in batches, toss the marinated chicken pieces into the flour mix, turning them to coat evenly on all sides. The buttermilk acts as the perfect glue, so no eggs are needed. Let the coated chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes to let the coating absorb moisture for that perfect popcorn-style texture.

Step 4: Shallow-fry the chicken

Heat about 2 inches of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok to reach 350°F (180°C), checking with an instant-read thermometer. Fry chicken pieces in small batches using kitchen tweezers or tongs to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking each piece for 1 to 3 minutes until golden and crisp. Set them on a wire rack over a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and stay extra crunchy. Keep cooked chicken warm in a low oven if cooking in multiple batches. This frying technique ensures the chicken stays juicy inside with an irresistible crunchy crust.

How to Serve Popcorn Chicken Recipe

A pile of golden-brown fried chicken pieces sits in a red mesh basket lined with newspaper-style paper, showing a crispy and textured exterior with some dark brown spots. The basket is placed on a white marbled surface. In front of the basket, there is a small white bowl filled with dark red dipping sauce, glossy and smooth on top. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

After frying, a light sprinkle of the seasoning blend over fresh popcorn chicken amps up the flavor for an extra-special touch. You can also toss in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness that complements the savory bites.

Side Dishes

Liven up your Popcorn Chicken Recipe by serving it alongside tangy coleslaw, crisp cucumber salad, or hearty fries for a classic combo everyone loves. Dipping sauces like spicy sriracha mayo, honey mustard, cool ranch, or smoky barbecue sauce also add fantastic flavor contrast and keep every bite exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring fun to the table by serving your popcorn chicken in colorful plastic serving baskets or novelty popcorn bowls, turning snack time into a festive event. This playful presentation makes it perfect for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers where everyone can grab and munch happily.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover popcorn chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious and crispy for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for quick snacks or a protein-packed addition to your meals during the week.

Freezing

To keep popcorn chicken handy for longer, spread cooked pieces in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents sticking and preserves their texture. When ready, cook frozen pieces straight from the freezer in a hot oven or air fryer until piping hot and crisp again.

Reheating

Reheat leftover popcorn chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) or an air fryer on 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes until the crust is re-crisped and the chicken is warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the coating soggy and the chicken less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh for this Popcorn Chicken Recipe?

You can substitute chicken breast, but thighs remain juicier and more tender after frying. If using breast, be careful not to overcook as it dries out more easily.

Why is it important not to overcrowd the frying pan?

Crowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, causing the chicken to cook poorly and absorb too much oil, resulting in greasy, less crispy pieces. Fry in small batches for the best texture.

Do I have to use pickle brine in the marinade?

Pickle brine is optional but adds a delightful tang and extra tenderness. You can omit it if you prefer, and your chicken will still be delicious with the buttermilk and seasoning.

What oil is best for frying popcorn chicken?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil, are ideal. They fry the chicken evenly without imparting extra flavors.

Can I prepare this recipe in an air fryer instead of frying in oil?

While the traditional method deep-fries the chicken for ultimate crispiness, you can use an air fryer for a lighter version. Toss coated chicken in a little oil spray and cook according to your air fryer’s instructions, but frying in oil typically yields the best “popcorn” crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Popcorn Chicken Recipe is a true game-changer when you want a snack that’s finger-licking good, full of flavor, and delightfully crispy. It’s fun to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to become a fast favorite in your recipe collection. Try it out and enjoy the satisfying crunch and juicy tenderness of every bite — you won’t regret it!