Easy Popcorn Chicken
- PREP 40min
- COOK 20min
- TOTAL 1hrs
This homemade popcorn chicken is crispy, juicy, and healthier than take-out when baked (or air-fried). It’s a crowd-pleaser for the whole family, and you can use chicken breasts or thighs.
You Will Need
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
2 cups low-fat buttermilk
1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt, divided
2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided
2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
2 teaspoons onion powder, divided
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, divided
½ teaspoon cayenne, optional, divided
4 cups corn flakes
Cooking spray or olive oil
Directions
1Make the buttermilk marinade: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
2Marinate the chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and add them to the marinade, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
3Prep: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
4Make the breading: Place the cornflakes (or potato chips) in a large resealable bag and crush them into fine crumbs. Add ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Seal the bag and shake to combine.
5Bread the chicken: Working in batches, lift the chicken pieces from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Add the chicken to the seasoned crumbs and press to coat well. Place the breaded pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with a bit of olive oil.
6To bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for about 20 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through, until crispy, golden, and cooked through (165°F in the center).
7To air fry: Place the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Air fry at 390°F for 4 minutes. Shake the basket, spray again if needed, then air fry for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until crisp and golden and cooked through (165°F in the center).
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Tips for baking: For extra-crispy chicken, place an oven-safe cooling rack on the baking sheet and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Corn flakes substitute: Use about 2 cups of crushed potato chips, panko, or homeamde breadcrumbs.
- Buttermilk substitute: Combine 2 cups of milk (dairy or non-dairy milk) with 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.