Oh yes — crispy, juicy, BETTER-THAN-KFC Popcorn Chicken at home 🍗🔥
More flavor, crunchier coating, no mystery oil.
🍗 BETTER THAN KFC POPCORN CHICKEN
⏱ Time
- Prep: 15 min
- Marinate: 30 min (recommended)
- Cook: 6–8 min per batch
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Extra-Crispy Coating
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch ⭐ (secret crunch)
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp white pepper (very KFC-style)
- ½ tsp ground ginger (optional but authentic)
- ½ tsp cayenne (optional heat)
Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate (JUICINESS STEP)
- Cut chicken into small bite-size pieces
- Toss with buttermilk and seasonings
- Marinate 30 minutes to overnight
2️⃣ Coat Like a Pro
- Mix all coating ingredients in a bowl
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, let excess drip
- Toss in flour mix, press hard for craggy bits
- Let coated chicken rest 5 minutes (locks crust)
3️⃣ Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil to 350°F / 175°C
- Fry in small batches 3–4 minutes, turning once
- Golden brown, internal temp 165°F / 74°C
- Drain on rack (not paper towels)
🔥 WHY IT’S BETTER THAN KFC
✅ Extra-crispy cornstarch crunch
✅ Real seasoning, no bland bites
✅ Juicy inside, shatter-crisp outside
✅ Fresh oil, no soggy coating
OPTIONAL NEXT-LEVEL FINISH
- Toss in honey-butter drizzle
- Dust with smoked paprika + salt
- Dip in:
- Spicy mayo
- Honey mustard
- Garlic ranch
AIR FRYER VERSION (Still Crispy!)
- Spray coated chicken generously with oil
- Air fry 400°F / 200°C for 10–12 min, shaking halfway
- Spray again at flip for max crunch
If you want:
🔥 KFC-style spice clone
🌶 Nashville hot
🧄 Garlic parmesan
🥡 Meal-prep freezer version
Say the word 😎
