Name: Baked Popcorn Chicken: Crispy, Crunchy, and Totally Irresistible
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Olive oil spray

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If you love the crispy crunch of popcorn chicken but want a healthier alternative to deep frying, this Baked Popcorn Chicken is the perfect solution! These bite-sized pieces of seasoned chicken are coated in a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust and baked to perfection. They’re great for snacking, dinner, or even as a party appetizer—because who can resist little crispy bites of chicken?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier alternative – All the crunch without the deep frying.
Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes.
Kid-friendly – A guaranteed hit with the whole family.
Perfect for dipping – Serve with your favorite sauces for extra flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make these crispy bites:

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for the coating
Seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and salt for flavor
Olive oil spray to help with crispiness

Full list of ingredients and measurements are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Baked Popcorn Chicken

Prep the Coating Station

Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and seasonings. This assembly line makes coating the chicken easy and mess-free.

Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, then into the eggs, and finally into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated.

Arrange on a Baking Sheet

Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Lightly spray them with olive oil to help achieve that golden, crispy finish.

Bake Until Crispy

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use panko breadcrumbs – They create the crispiest texture.
Don’t skip the oil spray – It helps mimic the crispiness of fried chicken.
Cut chicken evenly – Uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
Let them rest – Letting the chicken cool slightly before serving helps maintain the crisp texture.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Make it spicy – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
Use different seasonings – Try Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or even a ranch seasoning mix.
Gluten-free option – Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Dairy-free version – Swap eggs for a mixture of dairy-free milk and cornstarch.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

With dipping sauces – Serve with ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch.
As a main dish – Pair with a side salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
In a wrap or salad – Toss into a wrap or top a salad for extra protein and crunch.
With sweet potato fries – A perfect side for a fun, tasty meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain crispiness.
Freeze for later – Freeze uncooked coated chicken on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use an air fryer instead? Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

2. How do I keep the coating from falling off? Make sure the chicken is dry before coating and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto each piece.

3. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Coat the chicken and refrigerate for a few hours before baking when ready.

4. What’s the best way to make them extra crispy? Using panko breadcrumbs, lightly spraying with oil, and baking on a wire rack all help maximize crispiness.

Conclusion

This Baked Popcorn Chicken is crispy, flavorful, and so easy to make. It’s the perfect healthier alternative to fast food and is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you serve them as a snack, dinner, or party appetizer, they’ll disappear fast—so be sure to make extra!

Baked Popcorn Chicken: Crispy, Crunchy, and Totally Irresistible

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This Baked Popcorn Chicken is the perfect healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken. Each bite-sized piece is coated in a crispy, seasoned breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, kid-friendly meal that’s great for snacking, dinner, or as a party appetizer. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for a fun and delicious meal!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Set Up Coating Station: In three separate shallow bowls, place flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and mix panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in the third.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
Bake Until Crispy: Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the chicken cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.