Description
Crispy popcorn chicken—golden, juicy, and snackable. A quick, crowd-pleasing favorite perfect for dipping, game day, or easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cubed
For the Coatings:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For Frying:
- 2 cups oil (or as needed for deep-frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the flour.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly with the lemon juice until well combined. This will help give the chicken its crispy coating.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of oil into a deep pot and heat over medium flame until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for best results, or test by dropping in a small bit of flour to see if it sizzles immediately.
- Dredge the Chicken: Toss the cubed chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour before proceeding.
- Double Dip for Extra Crispiness: Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg-lemon mixture, then return it to the flour mixture for a second coating. This creates a crispier, thicker crust.
- Fry the Chicken: Working in batches, carefully drop the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding the pot. Fry for 7–8 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pot when frying; work in batches for even cooking and crispiness.
- For extra flavor, add paprika or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Ensure oil is at the correct temperature to avoid greasy chicken.
- Try different dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or spicy mayo.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg