Description
These oven-baked popcorn chicken bites are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a delicious snack or meal. Made with tender chicken pieces coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, they are easy to make and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
For the Coating:
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top, spraying it with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the Coating: Mix panko, plain breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge marinated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place on the prepared rack.
- Bake: Spray chicken with oil and bake for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- You can use a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk as a substitute for buttermilk.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 1–2 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
