Description
Baked Popcorn Chicken is a healthier twist on your favorite fried snack. These crispy, bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection—no frying required. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2-3 medium breasts (cut into small bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup (120g)
- Parmesan cheese (grated): 1/4 cup (25g)
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten
- Flour: 1/2 cup (60g)
Instructions
-
- Prep the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece in the flour, then the eggs, then the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each piece is fully coated.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Check internal temperature (165°F for safety).
- Serve and Enjoy: Cool for a few minutes before serving with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, mix panko with regular breadcrumbs.
- Let the breaded chicken rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking for better coating adherence.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to prevent steaming.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 4-5 pieces)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg