If you’re looking for a family favorite dish that’s perfect for both adults and kids, Oven Baked Popcorn Chicken is the way to go. Homemade popcorn chicken is a healthier alternative to the store-bought versions, and it’s so easy to make. In my house, this dish is a summer staple that everyone loves, especially the kids.
Using all-white meat chicken breast and a blend of flavorful spices, this recipe delivers that crispy texture you crave without the guilt of deep fat frying. The difference is clear when you taste it. Plus, it’s a quick and easy option for lunch ideas that the whole family will love. Whether you’re serving it as a snack or a meal, this popcorn chicken is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken (boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chicken tenderloins)
- Eggs
- Milk (whole milk or half & half)
- Flour
- Cornflakes cereal (crushed)
- Dried breadcrumbs
- Crushed potato chips
- Common pantry spices (for seasoning)
How to Make Oven Baked Popcorn Chicken
Coat Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl or zip lock bag with flour. Stir or shake to coat the pieces evenly, then set aside.
Prep Bowls
In a shallow bowl, combine eggs, milk, and your favorite spices. Stir until well mixed, then set aside. Prepare another bowl with crushed cornflakes.
Dip & Roll
Dip the flour-coated chicken in the egg mixture, then gently roll in the crushed cornflakes. Press each piece lightly to ensure a crispy coating.
To Bake
Place the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Flip and bake for another 7-8 minutes until cooked through.
To Fry
Heat vegetable oil in a pot until hot. Carefully lower the chicken into the oil in batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
To Air Fry
Spray the bottom of the air fry basket with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. Generously spray each piece with cooking spray. Air fry at 360 degrees for 3 minutes. Flip the pieces, spray the tops, then increase to 400 degrees and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until crisp and cooked through.
Serve
Serve the popcorn chicken warm with your favorite dipping sauce like BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey mustard.
Important Tips
- Coat Thoroughly: Ensure every chicken piece is well coated with flour, egg mixture, and cornflakes for a crispy finish.
- Spice Balance: Adjust the spices to your taste in both the flour and egg mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Single Layer: When baking or air frying, place chicken pieces in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Flip for Even Cooking: Always flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process, whether you’re baking or air frying, to achieve even browning.
- Use Cooking Spray Generously: For air frying, generously use nonstick cooking spray on the chicken pieces to help them crisp up.
- Check Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to make sure it’s fully cooked.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the popcorn chicken warm with your preferred dipping sauce.
For More Recipes
How to Store Leftover
To store leftover popcorn chicken, first let it cool completely to avoid any sogginess. Once cooled, place the chicken in an airtight container or zip lock bag and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 375°F to bring back the crispiness, avoiding the microwave as it might make the chicken soggy.
How do you cook frozen popcorn chicken in the oven?
To cook frozen popcorn chicken in the oven, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the frozen popcorn chicken pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. Cook until they are golden brown and fully heated through.
How long to heat up popcorn chicken in the oven?
If you’re reheating already cooked popcorn chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the popcorn chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer and heat for 10-12 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy again. For extra crispiness, you can finish them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Do you cover baked chicken when cooking?
Generally, you don’t need to cover popcorn chicken while baking, as covering it traps steam and prevents it from becoming crispy. For baked chicken breasts or larger pieces, you may cover them during the first part of cooking to retain moisture and uncover them towards the end to allow the skin or coating to crisp up.
