Baked Popcorn Chicken
Baked Popcorn Chicken is a crispy, tender delight that transforms ordinary chicken into mouthwatering bites perfect for movie nights or casual gatherings. These golden nuggets are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making them a family favorite. With a light coating of seasoned panko breadcrumbs and a hint of garlic and smoked paprika, each piece promises a satisfying crunch without the guilt of frying. Get ready to impress your guests with this deliciously baked treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- In one bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then roll it in the breadcrumb mix for an even coating.
- Arrange the coated chicken on the baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 pieces (150g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: For extra crunchiness, use a wire rack on the baking sheet. Customize flavors by adding your favorite spices or grated cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.