Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn Chicken is juicy on inside and crispy on the outside, but made with plant chicken. It is the ultimate comfort food that you would expect in fast food chains or restaurants, but you can easily make it in the comfort of your own home. So much cheaper, more delicious and ready whenever you are in the mood for chicken snacks.

Keep this Popcorn Chicken recipe and you know all that is left is a great dipping sauce.

I have some suggestions which are really amazing, like my Nashville Hot Sauce, the Cajun Sauce, or my Fry Sauce.

Some other of my favorites are the Bang Bang Sauce and the Awesome Sauce.

Reasons to love this Popcorn Chicken

When you take this out of the frying pan, the texture is on point: crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.

My recipe does not give any definite marinating times. In some other recipes, you need at least from 1 hour to overnight, but here all is straightforward.

For acidity I use lemon juice and in my gusto this is all what you need to add an amazing tang. I keep it that way as simple as it gets. Mixing all the ingredients is so easy so you can make Popcorn Chicken at home.

It has the right portion size which is great for dipping, with salads and many more things to come.

I’ll share my step by step pictures. So you will see making this recipe is not magic or science. 

What you need for this Popcorn Chicken Recipe

I use plant chicken filets and cut them in portion size, because I like to control myself the chopped size. Of course you can use bites to start from, so you don’t need to chop it.

To make everything really flavorful, chili flakes, garlic, onion powder and paprika go into the seasoning. 

Oat milk and lemon juice together taste like buttermilk and is so easy to prepare. Combine milk with lemon juice and that is all you need to do.

For the marinade, all purpose flour is the way to go. I know some recipes call for flour and breadcrumbs, but I find flour alone already makes a great and crispy texture.

You should use an oil with a high smoking point like canola, sunflower, avocado or peanut oil for deep-frying the Popcorn Chicken.

How to make Popcorn Chicken

You will have to set two bowls and a frying pan ready.

Quick prep

In the first bowl whisk together milk and lemon juice, to make a substitute for buttermilk.

In the second bowl combine flour, chili flakes, onion, garlic powder, paprika and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Prepare chicken

Dip the chicken bites first into the milk mixture and let them soak briefly. Then transfer to the bowl with the seasoned flour.

Make sure the bites are covered lightly with the mixture, then set them aside.

Fry the chicken

Heat oil in a large pan. Wait until hot, then add the Popcorn Chicken and fry for around 4 minutes until they are golden brown.

Remove the bites from the oil with a ladle and put them on a plate lined with paper towels.

Serve with your favorite sauce.

Tips and tricks

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and will be good for around 3 days. You can heat them up in the microwave or oven. Also these taste great cold.

For freezing: you can store them in a freezer bag and freeze for around 4 months.

Air fryer: If you have an air fryer, set temperature to around 400F. Use cooking oil and spray it on your basket. Add popcorn chicken in one single layer. Cook everything in your air fryer for around 8 minutes, but have a look and flip them if needed.

Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Facebook for remakes of this Popcorn Chicken.

Enjoy, Florian.