Description
Crunchy Chicken Popcorn Bites with Sriracha Mayo is a popular finger food dish. It consists of small, bite-sized pieces of poultry. The meat is marinated, coated in a seasoned flour and starch mixture, and fried until deeply golden and crisp. The term popcorn comes from the fun, bite-sized shape of the chicken pieces. This shape makes them effortless to eat continuously just like popcorn.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sriracha Mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Sriracha
- 1 tsp lime juice
- ½ tsp honey
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
For Garnishing
- 1 green onion, finely sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro, optional
- Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken
Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken and toss until well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for extra tender chicken.
2. Prepare the coating
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Toss each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken for extra crunch.
3. Fry the chicken
Heat about 1½–2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
Working in batches, carefully add the chicken pieces. Fry for approximately 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain.
4. Make the Sriracha mayo
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Sriracha, lime juice, honey, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth.
Taste and adjust the Sriracha or lime juice according to your preference.
5. Serve
Pile the crispy chicken popcorn bites onto a serving plate. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve immediately with Sriracha mayo for dipping, with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~520 kcal
Keywords: Crispy Popcorn Chicken with Sriracha Dip, Homemade Chicken Popcorn with Spicy Mayo, Bite Sized Fried Chicken with Sriracha Mayo, Crispy Chicken Bites with Spicy Sauce