Oven Baked Popcorn Chicken Recipe for Crispy, Healthy Snacks

Why You’ll Love This Baked Popcorn Chicken

Baked Popcorn Chicken is a hit for its simple prep and delicious results, making it a favorite for busy families and health-conscious eaters. This recipe uses all-white meat chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces, baked to golden perfection without the mess of deep-frying. You’ll appreciate how it cuts down on fat while keeping that crave-worthy crunch.

One reason to try this is the ease of preparation. Baked popcorn chicken is quick to make, needing just a short oven time and minimal cleanup. For instance, you can trim and cube the chicken, coat it in a seasoned mix, and bake at 425°F for 12 15 minutes, perfect for weeknights or when feeding kids.

Health benefits stand out too, as this version reduces fat and calories compared to fried options. By using lean chicken breast and baking instead of frying, it boosts protein while cutting down on saturated fat, making it ideal for diets focused on heart health. This approach keeps the crispy bites tasty without the extra grease.

Versatility makes it even more appealing, as you can adapt it for different needs. Whether you’re swapping in plant-based options or serving it in various ways, baked popcorn chicken fits many meals. Plus, its bold flavors from spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder give a satisfying crunch that rivals takeout.

With tips like refrigerating the chicken for 30 minutes to keep it firm and pairing it with dipping sauces, this recipe is easy to customize. The paprika and chili powder add a nice color and taste without too much heat, while the nutritional info highlights its lean protein benefits for a healthier snack.

Essential Ingredients for Baked Popcorn Chicken

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making delicious baked popcorn chicken. This section lists everything you need based on the recipe summary, ensuring you have exact measurements for a successful dish. Below is a comprehensive, structured list of all ingredients mentioned, formatted for easy use.

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• Salt (for seasoning, amount to taste)
• Sugar (a little, for seasoning)
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons pepper
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 eggs
• Cooking spray

These ingredients create a crispy, flavorful coating while keeping the chicken tender. For special diets, you can swap items like using plant-based milk for vegan options or gluten-free flour to adapt the recipe.

How to Prepare the Perfect Baked Popcorn Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

Gathering and Prepping Your Ingredients

Start by getting all your ingredients ready, as this sets the stage for smooth cooking. Follow the directions from the recipe summary to cut and season the chicken properly. This step ensures everything goes together without any hitches.

Cut the chicken breasts into small cubes as directed. Then, season them with salt and a little sugar before refrigerating for about 30 minutes to keep the pieces firm.

Mixing the Coating and Batter

Once the chicken is chilled, prepare the dry and wet mixtures. In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and 1 ½ teaspoons pepper.

In another container, whisk together 1 ½ cups milk and 2 eggs. This creates a simple batter for the perfect coating.

Coating and Baking the Chicken

Now, coat the chilled chicken pieces first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg and milk mixture, and coat again in the flour mixture for extra crunch. Spray a sheet pan with cooking spray and arrange the pieces evenly.

Spray the tops with cooking spray as well. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through after 7 to 10 minutes and spraying again for even crispiness.

Checking for Doneness and Serving

Bake until the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165 degrees for safety, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Tips like flipping halfway enhance the texture, and you can pair it with sauces such as BBQ or ranch.

The total prep time is about 15 minutes, cook time 15 to 20 minutes, and overall around 30 to 35 minutes. For variations, check out our crunchy baked Parmesan chicken recipe for more ideas on oven-baked poultry.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

If you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of options for the main protein in baked popcorn chicken. This helps tailor the recipe to different tastes or diets while keeping that crispy appeal.

For instance, use tofu by pressing and cubing 14 oz of extra-firm tofu, then marinate and bake at 400°F for 12 15 minutes. Seitan works too, sliced into pieces and baked for 10 12 minutes for a meaty feel.

• Tempeh: Steam it for 5 minutes, cube it, and bake at 400°F for 12 15 minutes.
• Cauliflower: Par-cook the florets, bread them, and bake at 425°F for 12 18 minutes.
• Shrimp or turkey: Cook shrimp for 6 8 minutes or turkey for 10 12 minutes at 425°F, always checking the internal temperature.

These swaps make the recipe flexible for vegan, vegetarian, or other preferences, just like the original’s use of lean chicken breast.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Adding veggies or changing sauces can give your baked popcorn chicken a fresh twist. Try incorporating small broccoli florets or Brussels sprouts for a veggie boost, par-cooking them first to ensure they’re tender.

For sauces, go with classics like ranch or honey mustard, or make them healthier with low-sodium options. Seasonings can vary too, such as using curry powder for an Indian flavor or za’atar for a Mediterranean vibe.

As noted in the nutritional info, this keeps the dish healthy while allowing for creative changes. Is Chicken Good for You explores how lean proteins like this benefit your diet.

Mastering Baked Popcorn Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations

To take your baked popcorn chicken to the next level, focus on techniques that boost crunch and flavor. Using a wire rack lets hot air circulate, preventing sogginess and giving a pro finish.

Flavor variations include mixing in global spices like za’atar or jerk seasoning. For presentation, serve it on a board with dips or in salads for added appeal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Ideas

Make-ahead options let you prep in advance, such as freezing breaded pieces for later. This ties into storage best practices for keeping that crispy texture.

As a bonus, try our Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs for another easy oven recipe that pairs well with these tips.

How to Store Baked Popcorn Chicken: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your baked popcorn chicken fresh and crunchy. Cool it to room temperature within 2 hours and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For freezing, place cooled pieces on a tray until firm, then store in bags for up to 2 months. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 400°F for 3 6 minutes to restore crispness.

Meal prep ideas include assembling pieces ahead and storing them separately from sauces to maintain quality.

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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Popcorn Chicken

Baked Popcorn Chicken

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

🍗 This Oven Baked Popcorn Chicken offers a crispy and flavorful snack that’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.
🔥 Made with lean chicken breast and baked to perfection, it’s perfect for guilt-free family meals or parties.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 chicken breasts, cut into small pieces

Salt for seasoning

Sugar for seasoning

1 ½ cups flour

1 tablespoon powdered sugar

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 ½ teaspoons salt

1 ½ teaspoons pepper

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 ½ cups milk

2 eggs

Cooking spray

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Instructions

1-Gathering and Prepping Your Ingredients: Start by getting all your ingredients ready, as this sets the stage for smooth cooking. Follow the directions from the recipe summary to cut and season the chicken properly. This step ensures everything goes together without any hitches.

2-Gathering and Prepping Your Ingredients: Cut the chicken breasts into small cubes as directed. Then, season them with salt and a little sugar before refrigerating for about 30 minutes to keep the pieces firm.

3-Mixing the Coating and Batter: Once the chicken is chilled, prepare the dry and wet mixtures. In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and 1 ½ teaspoons pepper.

4-Mixing the Coating and Batter: In another container, whisk together 1 ½ cups milk and 2 eggs. This creates a simple batter for the perfect coating.

5-Coating and Baking the Chicken: Now, coat the chilled chicken pieces first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg and milk mixture, and coat again in the flour mixture for extra crunch. Spray a sheet pan with cooking spray and arrange the pieces evenly.

6-Coating and Baking the Chicken: Spray the tops with cooking spray as well. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through after 7 to 10 minutes and spraying again for even crispiness.

7-Checking for Doneness and Serving: Bake until the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165 degrees for safety, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Tips like flipping halfway enhance the texture, and you can pair it with sauces such as BBQ or ranch.

Notes

❄️ Refrigerate chicken after seasoning for firmer texture during cooking.
🔄 Flip chicken halfway through baking and spray with cooking spray to boost crispiness.
🌶️ Paprika and chili powder add flavor and appealing golden color without overwhelming spice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: Baked Popcorn Chicken, Healthy Snacks, Crispy Chicken, Oven Baked Chicken