Who doesn’t love crispy, bite-sized pieces of chicken? Baked Popcorn Chicken is a healthier twist on your favorite fried snack, and it’s so easy to make at home. These little nuggets of juicy chicken are coated in a crispy, seasoned breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection. The best part? No frying involved—just pop them in the oven and let them do their thing! Perfect for family dinners, parties, or even meal prep, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve been craving something crispy, flavorful, and just plain fun to eat, you’re in the right place. Baked Popcorn Chicken is not only healthier than the fried version, but it’s also just as satisfying. The seasoned breadcrumbs create the perfect crunchy coating, while the chicken stays tender and juicy on the inside. And it’s super versatile—you can serve it as a snack, dip it in your favorite sauces, or pair it with a side salad or veggies for a full meal. It’s a hit every time!

Ingredients

Let’s take a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious recipe. (The full list is below for easy reference!)

Boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into small bite-sized pieces)
Panko breadcrumbs
Parmesan cheese
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Eggs
Flour

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. This is what makes them “popcorn” chicken—small enough to be popped right into your mouth! Season the chicken with a little salt and pepper to bring out its natural flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

Next, you’ll create a breading station with three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. In the flour bowl, simply add some flour (about a cup). In the egg bowl, crack a couple of eggs and beat them until smooth. For the breadcrumb mixture, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. This mixture will give the chicken that crispy, flavorful coating we all crave!

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Take each chicken piece, dip it first into the flour to coat it lightly, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat for all the chicken pieces. You want each little nugget to be completely coated in the crispy breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Once all the chicken is breaded, arrange the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside (you can check with a meat thermometer—165°F is your target!).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Baked Popcorn Chicken is done, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve it with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, honey mustard, or even some BBQ sauce. These little nuggets are perfect for snacking, meal prep, or even as a side dish for dinner.

Expert Tips and Tricks

For extra crunch: Use a combination of panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs for even more texture. Panko gives that airy crunch, while regular breadcrumbs help everything stick better.
Make it spicier: If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture. It’ll give the chicken a nice kick.
Even more flavor: Let the breaded chicken sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the coating stick better and allows the flavors to meld.
Avoid soggy chicken: Make sure not to overcrowd the chicken on the baking sheet. If the pieces are too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisping up.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great in this recipe as well. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless, and cut them into small pieces.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Vegan Version: Substitute the chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets for a plant-based version of this dish. Just make sure to press the tofu well to remove any excess moisture before breading.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Baked Popcorn Chicken pieces are so versatile and can be served with a variety of sides and dips. For a balanced meal, try pairing them with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. If you’re serving them as an appetizer or snack, pair them with a few dipping sauces like ranch, sweet and sour sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo. You can even serve them on top of a bed of rice for a fun, Asian-inspired dinner.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing leftovers: If you have any leftover popcorn chicken, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They make a great lunch or snack the next day!
Reheating: To keep the chicken crispy, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also reheat in an air fryer for a couple of minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispiness.

4 FAQs

Can I freeze the popcorn chicken? Yes! After breading the chicken, you can freeze the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to eat, bake straight from the freezer at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
Can I use regular chicken breast instead of cutting it into pieces? Absolutely! You can make larger chicken tenders or chicken cutlets if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time since larger pieces will take longer to cook through.
What dipping sauces go well with Baked Popcorn Chicken? Classic choices include ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo. You can also try a creamy garlic dip or even a tangy buffalo sauce for a different twist.
Can I bake these in an air fryer? Yes, the air fryer works wonderfully for making crispy popcorn chicken! Just preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

Baked Popcorn Chicken is a game-changer when it comes to easy, delicious snacks or meals. With a crispy, golden exterior and juicy interior, it’s a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version, without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun party snack, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a crispy bite of heaven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Expert Tips and Tricks

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Storage and Reheating Tips

4 FAQs

Conclusion

Baked Popcorn Chicken

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition