Spicy Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Crispy homemade spicy popcorn chicken in a white bowl on a kitchen counter

Spicy Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Extra crispy spicy popcorn chicken made at home in just 10 minutes. Juicy inside, crunchy outside, and bursting with heat and flavor.

Print Pin

Course: Dinner,Snack, Side Dish

Cuisine: American Southern Cuisine

Keyword: Easy spicy popcorn chicken recipe Spicy, Popcorn chicken recipe KFC, Spicy popcorn chicken recipe air fryer, Spicy popcorn chicken recipe chinese, Sweet and spicy popcorn chicken recipe

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 10

Marinating Time: 30

Total Time: 1

Servings:

Calories: 360kcal

Cost: $10

Equipment

1 Deep heavy-bottomed pot or air fryer
1 Mixing bowl
1 Wire rack
1 Slotted spoon or tongs
1 Digital thermometer
1 Shallow dredging dish

Ingredients

Ingredients (for Chicken and Marinade)

1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-size cubes
1 cup buttermilk or milk + lemon juice substitute
2 tablespoons hot sauce adjust to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt

Ingredients (for Coating)

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch adds extra crisp
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper reduce for less heat
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
0.5 teaspoon baking powder for added crunch puff

Instructions

Marinate chicken in buttermilk, hot sauce, and spices for 30 mins
Mix flour and spices in a shallow dish for coating
Double-dredge chicken using flour, marinade, and flour again
Fry at 350°F for 3–4 mins or air fry at 400°F for 12–14 mins
Rest on wire rack and serve hot

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition