• Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Kalyn Brooke

Simple Solutions to Manage Everyday Life

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Shop
  • Contact

Crispy Popcorn Chicken

July 2 // 5 Comments // 3 Minute Read

Jump To Recipe · Print Recipe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

These easy popcorn chicken bites come together in less than 30 minutes, and make the perfect quick dinner or hearty snack!

Crispy little chicken bites are the best. Crunchy on the outside, tender white pieces of meat on the inside….mmmmm….I’m not a total meat lover, but I could eat popcorn chicken every single day!

The signature deep frying process used to get that crispy coating is what totally makes popcorn chicken, but let’s face it — fried food is not so good for your health. So over the past few weeks, I set out to create a popcorn chicken recipe that tasted exactly like their crispy counterparts, but instead of being drenched and fried in oil, these babies are baked right in the oven!

It actually took me multiple tries to get this recipe just right before sharing it here on the blog, but third times a charm, and I was super happy with the end result. The best part is it takes less than 29 minutes from start to finish, which means this recipe lands right on my Simple School-Night Suppers list!

The Process

Step 1: Thaw chicken the night before in the fridge, then right before dinner, cut each chicken breast into bite sized pieces using kitchen scissors. I like to estimate one thinly sliced chicken breast per person, but if you have boys, you might want to make more!

Baked Popcorn Chicken

Step 2: Whisk eggs, mustard, salt, and garlic powder in bowl until smooth, then place all chicken pieces into the egg mixture and stir to coat.

Baked Popcorn Chicken

Step 3: Place bread crumbs in a separate bowl and line a baking sheet with foil. This makes clean-up so much easier!

Baked Popcorn Chicken

Step 4: Use cooking spray to grease the foil, unless you’ve ditched the cooking spray like me, which in that case, you would drizzle with butter and spread it around with a spatula.

Baked Popcorn Chicken

I tried baking these chicken bites without the butter, but honestly, this makes all the difference. Butter not only keeps the chicken from sticking to the pan {which rips off that delicious coating}, it actually makes the breadcrumbs even crispier.

Step 5: Using tongs, take a few pieces of chicken at a time and coat with bread crumbs on all sides. I hate touching raw chicken and getting my fingers all messy, so tongs are awesome!

Baked Popcorn Chicken

Step 6: Place on the baking sheet close together, but not so close that they are touching. Then bake at 415 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping chicken pieces over about halfway through.

Baked Popcorn Chicken

Step 7: Remove from the oven when done and serve with desired dressing or dip!

Baked Popcorn Chicken
Baked Popcorn Chicken
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares icon

Crispy Popcorn Chicken


  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

These easy popcorn chicken bites come together in less than 30 minutes, and make a fantastic quick dinner or hearty snack. The outside coating crisps up perfectly in the oven and eliminates the need for a deep fryer!


Scale

Ingredients

  • 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp honey mustard
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups homemade bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. Cut up chicken into bite sized pieces using kitchen scissors.
  2. Whisk egg, mustard, salt, and garlic powder in bowl until smooth.
  3. Place bread crumbs in a separate bowl.
  4. Line baking sheet with foil and spray or drizzle with butter and spread it around.
  5. Place all chicken pieces in egg mixture and stir well to coat.
  6. Using tongs take a few pieces of chicken at a time and coat with bread crumbs on all sides.
  7. Place on baking sheet close together but not touching.
  8. Bake at 415 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping chicken pieces over about halfway through.
  9. Serve with desired dressing or dip.
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: popcorn chicken, chicken poppers

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @KalynBrookeCo on Instagram

Total Cost: $5.02 or $1.26/serving

You could definitely round out this meal with a quick veggie or fruit on the side, but it’s not required. I’m sure your kids would be happy to just eat chicken!

What is your favorite quick and simple meal?

– – – – –

Grab this recipe, plus 5 more quick and frugal meals, all in one convenient printable pack. Includes a shopping list, 15 side dish ideas, and a weekly meal planner! More details HERE.

Does the school year have you panicking about what to make for dinner? It shouldn't! These simple school night suppers are perfect for busy weeknights, and won't leave you stranded in the kitchen all afternoon. They're kid-friendly and parent-approved, and go from grocery bag to dinner table in 29 minutes or less!


Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
« Previous PostHow to Afford an Upscale Hotel on a Low-Cost Budget
Next Post »Use a Mail Order Pharmacy {Creative Ways to Save #16}


Comments

  1. Jessica says

    October 26 at 9:44 am

    Hello! I currently buy my son chicken nuggets but really want to reduce processed food out of his life to see if he has any attitude changes. Will these freeze well? If not, how long do you think they’d last in the fridge if I made a giant batch on Sunday?

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      October 26 at 1:07 pm

      That is a really good question, Jessica. I don’t think we have tried freezing them yet. I think they would freeze well but I might “flash freeze” them first (all separated out on a baking sheet) before putting them in a freezer bag. That way they don’t freeze together into one giant blob. I usually keep them in the refrigerator for no more than 4 days. The FDA recommends 3-4 days for cooked chicken.

      Reply
  2. Tanner Feris says

    August 14 at 9:50 pm

    coconut oil works amazing as well

    Reply
  3. Dan says

    November 16 at 8:41 pm

    Great recipe. Works with thighs just as well, which stay nice and juicy (plus they cost less than breasts). I used panko breadcrumbs and replaced about a third with unsweetened coconut. Huge hit!

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      November 17 at 11:54 am

      That’s great! I’ll have to try switching to the thighs. I’m always looking for a way to save money on meat at the grocery store.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi, I’m Kalyn—a recovering perfectionist who nerds out about organizing systems, personal productivity, and helping you prioritize what matters over the pressure to do it all. I have a feeling we’re about to become the best of friends! Learn more >>

New? Start Here!

  • Take a Tour
  • Become a BFF
  • Favorite Recipes
  • The Printable Library
  • Just for Bloggers
  • Visit the Shop

kalynbrookeco

👩‍💻 | I help value-driven women lead manageable + meaningful lives.
💬 | INFJ / Enneagram 1
🚙 | RV Life @openroading
👇 | Resources + Links

Kalyn Brooke | Virtual BFF


Minimalism ≠ Deprivation.⁣
⁣
Sadly, I find m

Minimalism ≠ Deprivation.⁣
⁣
Sadly, I find most people resist minimalism because they can't wrap their head around "having less." People tend to equate this movement with blank walls, white IKEA furniture, and decluttering everything in your home down to practically nothing so you can live full-time in an RV. Like me. 😉⁣
⁣
But, while minimalism could be all that, this mindset misses the point. Minimalism is not only about “having less.” 🚫⁣
⁣
It’s so much more than that.⁣
⁣
This week on the blog, I'm sharing the REAL definition of minimalism (that people who love their stuff can totally get behind!) as well as practical ways to incorporate minimalism into your life. 🎉⁣
⁣
Drop a heart emoji in the comments below and I'll send the link to your DM's! 💖

I love lazy Saturday mornings…as long as I have
I love lazy Saturday mornings...as long as I have a book and a cozy blanket! 😍

I wrote this in my journal the other day: 📓⁣

I wrote this in my journal the other day: 📓⁣
⁣
“I’ve been thinking about what tech boundaries I want to instill, including boundaries related to work and productivity. I’ve become less careful about my media consumption, and it’s having a negative affect on my mental health.” 💞⁣
⁣
Have you ever felt a similar tug? ⁣
⁣
I can’t begin to tell you how many times I pick up my phone because I’m bored or lonely or jealous or unhappy. It almost always makes me feel worse. And yet...I struggle to stop. 😝⁣
⁣
Here are the ideas I’ve been trying this month and I’m already seeing a positive effect:⁣
⁣
➕ No logging into social media after 8pm. I need to wind down for the night, not get lost in my phone! 📲⁣
➕ Open Instagram with a purpose—either to post or to interact. Stop endlessly scrolling.⁣
➕ My only screen time before 9am should be for Bible Study apps or News. 🗞⁣
➕ Turn my phone on Do Not Disturb during Tiger Time (when I need the most focus for work) 💪⁣
➕ Work no more than 4 hours on my business per day. If a task isn’t complete, push it to the next day. This time frame has really helped me prioritize! 💻⁣
➕ Watch one show per day (or two if they are short!) and leave movies for the weekend. 📺⁣
⁣
What tech boundaries have you set up? Are any new as of this year? I’d love to hear your ideas! 😃

What’s one thing you budget for that other peopl
What’s one thing you budget for that other people might not? I always find those interesting. 😃⁣
⁣
You might have a mortgage. I budget for campgrounds. You might want a separate clothing budget, while I’m fine combining it under “Beauty and Style.” Recently, we also added a new line item for our motorcycle—something I NEVER thought would appear in our budget. ⁣
⁣
See, we’re all different! ⁣
⁣
Recently, I rearranged my budget categories and created this “cheat sheet.” Sometimes I forget where things go, like picking up new wall art for the living room. Does this item belong in the categories of Household Items or Home Maintenance? 🤔⁣
⁣
Now I know! And I save time processing receipts each Friday. 🧾⁣
⁣
What budgeting categories do you use? Share one of your random budget line items with me in the comments below! 😃

I call 2020 the Year of Abandoned Books. ⁣
⁣
I

I call 2020 the Year of Abandoned Books. ⁣
⁣
I’m never afraid to stop reading a book if it doesn’t live up to the hype. Why invest more time in a book I’m not all that excited about when I could be exploring new authors and storylines where I can’t wait to turn the page? 🤷⁣
⁣
But in 2020, I let more books go than I normally do. I suppose my patience dwindled when I thought the world was ending. Not that I thought the world was actually ending…but you know what I mean. 😉⁣
⁣
As an Enneagram 1, I hate giving up on a book. I’m prone to the all-or-nothing mentality, even in my reading habits. My eyes could glaze over boring prose and I’d still repeat to myself: “You MUST finish this book!” 😫⁣
⁣
Why? ⁣
⁣
No one is adding a plastic star to your Book-It pin, (Remember those?) This isn’t assigned reading from your high school English class. This is YOUR reading life. ⁣
⁣
And YOU should choose what books deserve your attention. 📚⁣
⁣
There are too many good ones out there anyway.  Like one of my favorite reads from 2020. 😍⁣
⁣
This week’s newest blog post rounds up everything I read last year (43 books total!) including 5-star psychological thrillers, a delightful royal series, a couple self-help books, and of course, historical fiction.⁣
⁣
Click the link in my bio to read it! ☝⁣
⁣
What were your favorite books in 2020? Our literary styles might be a match made in heaven! ✨

My planner/journal lineup for 2021. 👆 ⁣
⁣
T

My planner/journal lineup for 2021. 👆 ⁣
⁣
These small but mighty sidekicks will be my saving grace this year. 📚⁣
⁣
1️⃣ Bullet Journal (Blue) - for everyday planning and goal setting⁣
2️⃣ Regular Journal (Yellow) - to track gratitude (5 things a day!) and to process ALL the feelings⁣
3️⃣ Growth Journal (Sand) - a space for me to brain dump everything I learn from books, podcasts, sermons, etc ⁣
⁣
That last one is new to me as of this year and I can't wait to flip back through all my notes come December! 📆⁣
⁣
What planners/journals are you using for 2021?


Load More…


Follow on Instagram


ARE YOU EXHAUSTED TRYING TO DO IT ALL?

Privacy Policy
You’ll love the freedom found inside my Saturday morning newsletter
Copyright © 2021 · Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
ARE YOU EXHAUSTED TRYING TO DO IT ALL?
Privacy Policy
You'll love the freedom found inside my Saturday morning newsletter
Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy
ALMOST THERE!
Complete this form and click the button below to gain instant access.
Privacy Policy